iiiii 



■■'1., . • ; ',1'. 



l.i . 



.^>.', 



, • J ■ f i •' ' : . ! ' I • i 
VI';'-; -'^'i' 



I : ■. ^ ''■■■■ I ; M ■ 



||ij : .-::;•;, 



i:i;!lfil'iii:! 



■)'t 




Photograph by H. V. Furness 

European Wild Cat (above) 
Domestic Striped Tabby Cat (below) 



PETS 



AND HOW TO CARE FOR THEM 



BY 

LEE S. CRANDALL 

ssistant Curator of Birds, New York Zoological Park; Fellow of the New 

York Zoological Society; Member of the American Society of 

Ichthyologists and Herpetologists ; Associate Member of the 

American Ornithologists' Union, etc. 



WITIi ILLUSTRATIONS FROM LIFE 



Second Edition 




NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK 

1921 



gVa^'^ 



Copyright 1921, by 
H. R. MITCHELIi? 



AUG 31 1921 



PRINTED BY 

CLARK a FRITTS 

NEW YORK 



g)ClA622585 



TO MY PARENTS 

who endured much from a 

pet-loving son 



PREFACE 

Every normal child, of whatever race or creed, is born 
with an innate love for wild things. If allowed to languish 
from lack of intelligent parental interest and supervision, 
this natural instinct is gradually lost or degenerates into 
the unintentional cruelty of ignorance. Properly fostered 
and developed, it is certain to exert a beneficent influence on 
the trend of developing character. Given scope and sym- 
pathetic guidance, the young mind is trained to observe and 
appreciate the subtle ways of nature, an accomplishment 
wdiich, in later years, will prove, if nothing more, a welcome 
diversion. The sterling qualities of kindness, responsibility 
and regularity are acquired, and many of the problems which 
perplex the adolescent adjust themselves normally by con- 
stant contact with reproductive life. 

By necessity, the choice of creatures mentioned in this 
book has been arbitrary. The scope of the word " pet " 
ma}' seem, in some cases, to have been stretched, and in 
others restricted, but no species has been included or omitted 
without careful consideration. To give, in a single volume, 
full and efficient directions for the treatment of so many 
diverse creatures, means that the space devoted to each 
must be no greater than necessary. For this reason, rare 
or particularly delicate meml^ers of the various groups have 
been excluded. Such animals as the lamb, calf, colt, etc., 
have not been mentioned, as their care generally is well 
understood by those in a position to keep them. On the 
other hand, many of the birds, such as the pheasants, cranes 
and waterfowl, cannot be considered as pets in the sense 

ix 



X PREFACE 

that they may be fondled, but they are widely kept for 
ornamental purposes, and their proper treatment is a matter 
often not well known. 

No attempt has been made to give detailed descriptions 
of wild species, except in so far as to make identification 
reasonably easy. Domestic breeds have received more atten- 
tion in this respect, as their colors and markings are more 
variable than those of forms unaffected by the conditions 
of long-continued confinement. Since captivity is here the 
keynote, wild habits, in most cases, have not been dwelt on. 
Collateral reading of books chosen from the many devoted 
to that phase of the subject is strongly advised. 

Except in a few cases, notably the birds, reference to 
disease has been brief. If sick animals do not respond 
quickly to the simple household remedies which suggest 
themselves, a veterinary should be summoned, or the suf- 
ferer destroyed. To attempt to treat a creature that is 
seriously ill is a task which only a trained person should 
assume. Bird diseases, however, have received scant atten- 
tion from investigators, and the little space devoted to them 
here will not be amiss. 

The question of scientific breeding may seem somewhat 
erudite for the field indicated by the title of this work. Its 
importance is so great, however, that a few words, outlining 
the fundamentals, have been added as an appendix. 

For those who desire more extensive information than 
is given here, a list of practical works is given. To many 
of them I am indebted for reference during the preparation 
of this volume, and hereby make full acknowledgment. 

To Dr. William T. Hornaday, Mr. William Beebe, Mr. 
Raymond L. Ditmars and Mr. Elwin R. Sanborn, I am 
grateful for much invaluable assistance and advice, which 
have greatly facilitated my work. Mr. Kenyon V. Painter, 
Mr. Percy Warner, Mrs. Harriet V. Furness and the New 



PREFACE xi 

York Zoological Society have contributed several illus- 
trations, for the use of which I am much indebted. 

Photographs not otherwise credited were taken by the 
author, most of the subjects being included among the 
exhibits at the New York Zoological Park. The goldfishes 
are the property of Mr. Joseph Taubles, while the tropical 
fishes are from the author's private collection. 

Several chapters included have already appeared in vari- 
ous publications, and for their use my thanks are due to the 
New York Zoological Society, Messrs. Doubleday, Page & 
Co., and the Advanced Agricultural Publishing Co. 

L. S. C 
New York Zoological Park, 
January, 1917. 



CONTE 



Preface 



PAGE 

IX 



Section I— MAMMALS 



I. 


Dogs 


19 


II. 


C*TS 


30 


Til. 


'. .viESTic Rabbits . . . . 


37 


J 


■ Animals ... 
5ECTIO-.' 11— BIRDS 


48 


V. 


G ... 


65 


VI. 


Pheasants 


86 


VII. 


Peafowl, Guinea-fow md Quail 


. 104 


VIII. 


Water-fowl ...... 


. 108 


IX. 


Parrots 


. 128 


V 


Cage Birds 


. 151 




ies 


. 186 


_-J.X. 


Section III— THE AQUA,' UM 


. 211 




General Care . 


. 261 


XIV. 


AouARiuM Fishes ... 


. 272 



ILLUSTRATIONS 



European Wild Cat / ^ . . 

i. . , . . rrontispiece 



Domestic Striped Tabby Cat 



PAGE 



Dingo . 21 

Gray Wolf ." . 21 

Boston Terrier 26 

Airedale Terrier .26 

White Persian Cat ' . ZZ 

Siamese Cat . . . . . ... 33 

English Rabbit . , 42 

Dutch Rabbit ......... 42 

Belgian Hare . . . . . . . . 42 

Lop-eared Rabbit .42 

Jlhesus Monkey . . 51 

White-faced Sapajou Monkey . . . . . 51 

Opossum 51 

Red Fox '. . . . . . . . . 56 

Woodchuck ... ..... 56 

Albino Gray Squirrel . . . . . . • 56 

Soemmering Pheasant 75 



XIV 



ILLUSTRATIONS 



Vieillot Fire-back Pheasant 

Brown Eared Pheasant . 

Silver Pheasant 

Indian Peahen and Chick 

White Peacock Displaying 

Mute and Trumpeter Swans 

Cereopsis Geese and Goslings 

Mallard Ducks 

Mandarin .... 

Green-winged Macaw 

Lesser Sulphur-crested Cockatoo 

Green-cheeked Amazon Parrot 

Gray Parrot 

Song Thrush 

Nightingale 

Dyal Thrush . 

Blue Solitare 

Diamond Finch 

Giant Whydah 

European Jay 

Gray Java Sparrow 

Wild Canary 

Yorkshire Canary 

Norwich Canary . 



PAGE 

7S 



99 
99 
114 
114 
121 
121 
135 
135 
144 
144 
163 
163 
163 
163 
174 
174 
174 
174 
197 
197 
197 



xvi ILLUSTRATIONS 

PAGE 

Crested Canary . . , , . . . . 197 

Rock Dove 226 

Homing Pigeon . . . . . , . . 226 

Flying Tippler 226 

jBirmingham Roller 226 

Almond Short- faced Tumbler 241 

Black Fan-tail 241 

Black Shield . . . 241 

Bluette ......... 241 

Common Goldfish ........ 273 

Japanese Scaleless Veil-tailed Goldfish .... 273 

Scaleless Telescope Goldfish . . . . . . 273 

Haplochilus earner ootiensis . . . ... 273 

Xiphophorus helleri ....... 284 

Alfaro cultratum 284 

Paradise Fish 284 

Climbing Perch 284 




SECTION I 
MAMMALS 



CHAPTER I 
DOGS 

What shall we say of the dog? The close companion of 
man almost from the beginning, his praises have been sung 
in every tongue. The literature of the world contains 
countless eulogies of his devotion and courage, so that little 
now remains to be said. The savage wolf-dog of our almost 
equally savage ancestors has become the pampered pet of 
modern civilization ; but the sterling characters which made 
him indispensable in those old days have increased with 
the passage of time. That the dog was of the utmost im- 
portance to primitive man we may not doubt. His services 
to men who lived chiefly on meat must have been incalculable, 
and it is probable that to this fact the domestication of the 
dog is due. Aboriginal men in all parts of the world 
still have their packs of half-wild dogs, often obviously 
descended, at least in part, from native feral species. 

Just when the dog first became associated with man we do 
not know. The facts are shrouded in the mysteries of the 
origin of our race itself, but it must have occurred at a 
very remote period, for the Romans had well-established 
breeds, separated into groups, according to their ability in 
hunting, running, fighting, flock-tending, etc. 

The ancestry of the dog has been the occasion of much 
controversy. Many naturalists have considered that it is 
descended from a single ancestor, such as tjie common wolf 
of Europe. The wonderful diversity in breeds of modern 
dogs has been held to disprove this claim and point to a 
number of foundation strains. But a consideration of the 
equal variation among other domestic creatures, noticeably 

19 



20 PETS 

the fowl and the pigeon, known to have been derived from 
a single wild species, lessens the force of the argument. 

Darwin,* however, leans toward the theory of multiple 
origin, and advances much convincing proof in support of 
his belief. It is well known that many savage tribes have 
dogs which appear to be simply half -tamed representatives 
of the particular wild-dog-like animals inhabiting the same 
regions. The dogs of the American Plains Indians closely 
resemble the small prairie wolf or coyote; the husky of the 
north country is plainly not far removed from the gray 
wolf ; the German sheep-dog and the Samoyede are strik- 
ingly wolf -like in appearance. Whether our present dogs 
are the result of crossing these many simple derivatives of 
wolves and jackals among themselves, or whether there 
was an original ancestral dog, now extinct, with which 
the blood of other species has become mingled, we do not 
know. Domestic dogs have been shown to be perfectly 
fertile, for several generations, with various wild species. 

According to Mivart,t the Dingo {Canis dingo) is the 
only wild dog still existing which meets the requirements of 
an ancestor of our modern breeds. This species is found 
throughout Australia, and fossil bones which have been 
found show its presence there, from very early times. There 
is reason to believe, however, that, remote as the period 
must have been, the Dingo was introduced by man and is 
not indigenous to Australia. It is certain that the Dingo 
lends itself to captivity and is frequently kept by the 
natives, whose dogs bear evidence of free interbreeding with 
the wild species. This is a feature of great interest, and 
it may be that in the Dingo we have an animal representing 
the foundation stock of the domestic dog. 

* Darwin, Charles: Animals and Plants Under Domestication 
(Westminster Edition), pp. 14-43. 

t Mivart, St. George : A Monograph of the Canidce, 1890, p. 168. 





Dingo (above) 
Gray Wolf (below; 



22 PETS 



General Care 



In considering the care of the dog, the particular breed or 
type of the individual is of prime importance. The large, 
hardy sorts are better off for a certain amount of cold and 
exposure, and if a snug kennel is provided, will do very 
well without heat. The more delicate toys, to remain in 
good health, must have warm, dry quarters. 

If it is decided that the dog is to remain out of doors, a 
well-ventilated, rain-proof, draughtless kennel, of sufficient 
size, should be provided. Straw makes the best bedding and 
should be changed frequently. If the dog can be given 
regular daily exercise, he may at other times be chained to 
the kennel. If this is not possible, a run of stout wire 
should be built or a ring-and-wire trolley arranged so that 
the animal may have some freedom. To chain permanently 
an active, healthy dog is an act of cruelty which is certain 
to result in the bad temper which is usually characteristic 
of " watch-dogs." 

Dogs of medium size, which are suitable for house-dogs, 
should be given a special sleeping-place, preferably in a little 
heated part of the house. Most dogs are better if not 
cuddled. 

The tiny lap-dogs require more attention. It is best to 
provide for them a special sleeping-basket, in which they 
may be placed at bedtime and carefully covered. A night's 
exposure to the comparatively mild winter temperature of 
the average home may very well prove fatal. Exercise is as 
important for these little creatures as for their larger cousins, 
and should be given at regular hours. 

The dog should be bathed at frequent intervals, but should 
have every facility for rapid drying, particularly during 
cold weather. It is always best to confine the animal until 
it has thoroughly dried, as otherwise the work may be 



PETS 23 

undone, nothing pleasing a wet dog more than a chance to 
roll in dirt. Dogs with long or fine hair should be brushed 
regularly. 

The matter of training is one of the greatest impor- 
tance, a disobedient dog being second in unpleasantness only 
to a child who has been similarly neglected. The dog wishes 
to obey, and to please his master, but it is necessary to 
impress thoroughly on his mind just what is wanted. There 
is much difference of temperament among dogs, of course, 
but most individuals are more easily governed by a sharp 
word than b}^ a blow. However, sentiment should not be 
allowed to interfere with discipline, and if the animal seems 
to require punishment, the corrective tap should not be 
withheld. Dogs are wonderfully keen in learning the mean- 
ing of gestures and even phrases, a faculty which adds 
much to their charm. 

While dogs belong to a carnivorous family, they are 
now omnivorous in feeding habits. If given plenty of exer- 
cise, it is possible for them to keep in excellent condition on 
meat alone, but it is best to vary the constituents of the 
diet. This is particularly true of the smaller breeds. The 
food, then, should contain a certain percentage of meat, 
preferably cooked. It is important to see that this is free 
from small pieces or splinters of bone. To this may be 
added various vegetables, bread, cooked cereals and milk, 
in fact almost anything edible, provided it is clean and not 
too greasy. Dog biscuits solve the question to a very 
satisfactory extent, but the dog should not be compelled 
to eat them continually, without variation. Large bones 
should be given frequently, for gnawing keeps the animal 
out of mischief and provides various physical benefits. 
Over-feeding is the worst danger to which canine pets are 
subjected. No more than will keep the animal in good 
condition should ever be given, and sweets and starchy 



24 PETS 

foods should be withheld. Fresh, cool water, of course, 
should always be within reach. 

The period of gestation in dogs is about sixty-three days. 
The prospective mother should have a box or corner, 
preferably in a darkened nook, where she will not be dis- 
turbed. The puppies' eyes are closed at birth and do not 
open till about the tenth day. When about four or five 
weeks old, the process of weaning may be commenced, by 
teaching the puppies to lap milk, an art which they soon 
acquire. This may be augmented with cereals, or bits of 
bread. Later puppy biscuits may be added and soon the 
diet includes everything given to the mother. The quantity 
of meat given to puppies, however, should always be re- 
stricted, until they are well grown, although they may have 
bones to gnaw on. When six or seven weeks old, they 
should be gradually removed from the mother. 

Dogs are subject to few diseases, and when they do occur 
a veterinary should be consulted. In most instances, it is as 
useless for the amateur owner to attempt to treat a dog 
as it would be in the case of a child. 

We cannot leave the subject, however, without some 
reference to rabies or hydrophobia, that dread and mys- 
terious disease, to which dogs, in common with many other 
animals, are subject. Many persons have held that hydro- 
phobia is an illusion, but its existence has been too well 
established to admit of further doubt. Hydrophobia in 
dogs appears in several forms, with varied S3mptoms. 
Sometimes the victim is extremely thirsty, while another 
will not touch water. The frothing mouth which to the 
popular mind is irrefutable evidence of rabies occurs also 
in epilepsy. Sudden changes in disposition, snappiness, 
manifestations of unfounded fear, in fact almost any un- 
usual action, may be the first indication of the disease. A 
suspected subject should be isolated at once, v^'here it can 



PETS 25 

be kept under control and the developments of symptoms 
watched. Many dogs are killed as a result of epileptic 
fits being wrongly diagnosed as rabies. A few hours of 
rest and quiet usually are the only requisites for recovery 
in the majority of such cases. Once the presence of rabies 
has been established, however, the dog should be destroyed 
at once. 

Dogs frequently suffer from internal and external para- 
sites, both of which are easily removed. Fleas are the 
most frequent cause of annoyance. A bath in which one of 
the many brands of antiseptic soap is used will quickly get 
rid of them. It is of the greatest importance to keep the 
dog's living quarters clean, for fleas breed in the filth of 
kennels. 

Worms are frequently present and are a fertile cause of 
trouble. A bulging abdomen and emaciated frame are 
indications of the presence of parasites, but their passage 
with the faeces is the most certain evidence. Efficient 
vermifuges are obtainable from all dealers and one or two 
doses usually can be relied upon to rid the system of the 
intruders. 

Breeds 

The attempt to enter fully into the points of the various 
modern breeds of dogs would be a task without the scope 
of this work. Moreover, literature on the subject is so 
rich that such description here is unnecessary. We may, 
however, briefly consider some of the types most suital^le 
for pets. 

There are few dogs which lack some particular use or 
purpose in their relation to man, and are not capable of 
ably performing their functions. But, since here we are 
considering pets, we must eliminate all the superb array 
of breeds specialized for hunting, coursing, flock-tending, 
and even guarding. Such dogs as the various hounds, the 




Boston Terrier (above) 
Airedale Terrier (below) 



PETS 27 

Great Danes, Mastiffs, Sheep-dogs and many others, while 
excellent in their own fields, may not properly be considered 
as suitable pets. It is among the smaller spaniels and ter- 
riers that we shall find house-dogs of dispositions and stat- 
ure amenable to fondling, but often with courage to act 
efficiently in defense, if necessary. 

Of the terriers proper, it is probable that the Fox Terrier 
is the best known, for it seems to be more widely distributed 
than any other small dog. Originally used in England for 
unearthing foxes, which had been driven to cover by the 
hounds, it still retains the courage and agility which are 
necessary for the work. The Fox Terrier is a hard}', active 
dog, small enough to be unobtrusive, but able under stress 
to give a very good account of itself. 

The various rough-coated terriers of British origin are 
rapidly gaining in popularity on this side. The black-and- 
tan Airedale is the largest, the similarly marked Welsh 
Terrier is the smallest, and the sandy-red Irish Terrier 
is between the two. All of these dogs are of pleasing, up- 
standing outline, with the clean-cut heads of the terriers. 
They are notable for their courage and tenacity. 

The Scotch Terrier is longer-haired than the preceding, 
and also differs in type, being prick-eared and grotesquely 
short-legged. This rough-and-ready little dog has recently 
enjoyed a wave of well-deserved popularity. Typical speci- 
mens are usually black or blackish in color. The West 
Highland White Terrier is really a white Scotch. 

The Skye and Yorkshire Terriers, which represent 
the extreme of the rough-coated type, are not now so popu- 
lar as was once the case. This may perhaps be due, in a 
measure, to dispositions not too sweet, but the over-develop- 
ment of the coat, with the attendant troubles in grooming, 
probably played its share. The two breeds are commonly 
confused, for each is clothed in long, silky hair. The Skye 



28 PETS 

Terrier, however, is as large as a small Cocker Spaniel, and 
generally dark gray in color, while the Yorkshire is a tiny 
creature, grayish-blue with tan markings. 

The Maltese Terrier is one of the oldest of dog breeds, 
and is believed to have been the favorite lap-dog of the 
ancient Romans and Greeks. It is well known as a small 
animal with long, silky hair, of the purest white, but per- 
haps because of the care its coat requires it is not over 
popular. 

The Bull Terrier, too commonly known as a " bull- 
dog," possesses such qualities as to endear it to the heart 
of any one who owns a responsive spark. No dog sur- 
passes this magnificent animal in staunch courage and genu- 
ine unselfish affection. Ever ready to spring at the throat 
of the intruder, it is equally willing to submit itself to the 
maulings of children. It has one serious drawback, how- 
ever, and that is its pugnacious instinct. Bred for years for 
the brutal purpose of pit fighting, the habit is almost im- 
possible to eradicate. The old-fashioned dogs usually were 
brindle or pied, but the modern type is spotless white. 

The Boston Terrier is the only breed, with the possible 
exception of the Chesapeake Bay Dog, which has been 
originated in America. A result of crosses between the 
English Bulldog and the White English Terrier, it retains 
all of the good qualities of each ancestor, and few of the 
undesirable ones. It has the even, afifectionate temper of 
the bulldog, without its awkwardness, and the active habits 
of the terrier, with but little of its pugnacity. Of compara- 
tively recent origin, the Boston Terrier has made rapid 
strides from the chaotic state, and now breeds fairly true to 
type. 

The English Bulldog, developed in the ancient sport 
of bull-baiting, has fallen on evil times. Now bred solely 
for exhibition purposes, this once hardy dog has become 



PETS 29 

monstrously exaggerated and weakened in stamina. These 
two facts are sufficient to account for its very evident decline 
in favor, for although repulsive in appearance, it is one 
of the most even-tempered and amiable of canines. 

The French Bulldog is often confused with the Boston 
Terrier, in the development of which it undouljtedly was 
concerned. They are easily distinguished, however, as the 
French breed has the undershot jaw and wrinkled face of 
the English Bulldog, points abhorred in the Boston Terrier. 

The English Toy Spaniels probably are diminutive 
derivatives of the larger and more vigorous sporting 
spaniels. They are essentially lap-dogs and as such have 
been cultivated for centuries, their round heads, large eyes, 
and long, wavy hair being particularly appealing. Toy 
Spaniels occur in several colors ; black-and-tan or King 
Charles; black, tan and white, tricolor or Prince Charles; 
ruby or red; and red and white or Blenheim. 

The Japanese Spaniel is similar to the English, but 
differs in various minor points, particularly in the shorter 
ears. It is perhaps more active and intelligent than the 
English breeds, and seems to be more popular. Japanese 
Spaniels generallv are black and white in color. 

The Pekinese is evidently closely related to the Japanese 
Spaniel, but is usually solid in color, the most common be- 
ing biscuit or fawn. Just now, this is perhaps the most 
fashionable of toy dogs. It came originally from Pekin, 
where it seems to have been the particular pet of the 
imperial court. 

The Pomeranian is the smallest of the wolf-type dogs 
and is evidently derived from that group. It is essentially 
a to}', and as such is very widely kqDt. The breed is hardier 
and more active than most small dogs of the spaniel type, 
but many specimens are characterized by a pronounced 
disagreeable odor. 



CHAPTER II 

CATS 

The position of the domestic cat is curiously anomalous. 
More universally the companion of man than any other 
creature, with the possible exception of the dog, it neverthe- 
less remains consistently aloof and impatient of restraint. 
Amenable to caresses, even soliciting them, it still retains 
perfect independence, and tooth and claw are ever ready to 
resent the slightest infringement. 

The origin of the domestic cat has been the source of 
much controversy. It seems most probable, however, that 
it is descended from one, or perhaps both, of two forms, 
which still exist in the v^^ild state — the Egyptian Wild Cat 
(Felis ocreata) and the European Wild Cat (F. syhestris) . 
These two creatures are practically indistinguishable from 
domestic cats. Both are light gray in general, with narrow, 
vertical bars of a darker shade on the sides of the body, and 
horizontal bars on the upper parts of the four legs. The 
tail is banded, and there are markings about the face. There 
are minor differences in the markings and the European 
Wild Cat is slightly larger, less distinctly striped and more 
heavily furred than the southern species, otherwise they are 
similar. This form of marking is duplicated in the narrow- 
striped form of the modern tabby and undoubtedly repre- 
sents the primitive type. 

As is well known, mummified cats are commonly found 
in the tombs of the aiicient Egyptians, and their taming at 
an early period is undoubted. It seems probable that these 
cats were introduced into Europe, where they interbred with 
the native form. The crossing of two species so similar 

30 



PETS 31 

in appearance does not account for the divergence of color 
in domestic cats but this would follow naturally, as in most 
animals under the control of man. Long-haired or Persian 
cats, Manx, Siamese and other forms are simply variations 
of this old stock. 

General Care 

Commonly kept as a check to the increase of rats and 
mice, the cat has tolerated man and rendered service in 
return for protection. Because of the detached and in- 
scrutable habit of the animal, comparatively few become 
" companions of the fireside." Far too many are kept in 
the verge of reversion to their natural wild condition. City 
and country alike abound with half-wild creatures which 
yield but partial or even no allegiance to man and secure 
their food by foraging. Much of this unfortunate condi- 
tion is attributable to irresponsible owners, who desert cats 
with unfeeling carelessness, or so underfeed them that their 
hunger is a menace to all small edible creatures. Cats of 
this type are the most formidable enemies of the remnant 
of our wild bird life, and the constantly increasing pressure 
of conservationists certainly will soon bring legal relief 
from the scourge. No feeling person would cast a cat upon 
its own resources and no public-spirited citizen will allow 
it to maintain itself by further depleting our valuable birds. 

Properly cared for, the cat becomes quite a different 
animal. Although commonly considered inferior in intel- 
ligence to the dog, it is rather an unlikeness in tempera- 
ment, the two creatures forming perfect antitheses. But 
the very impenetrability of the cat is a charm which attracts 
many persons, and certainly gives it a dignity which few 
animals attain. Well fed and kept within reasonable bounds, 
the cat can render full return to its owner, without infring- 
ing on the rights of others. 



32 PETS 

Cats are essentially carnivorous and it is natural that 
much of their food should consist of meat, either raw or 
cooked. It is not necessary that this be of the finest quality, 
but neither should it be of the vile sort sold by butchers as 
" cat meat." Fish makes an acceptable variation. Many 
sorts of vegetables and cereals, such as potatoes, rice, oat- 
meal, etc., are relished by most cats, particularly if mixed 
with meat broth or milk. Bread and milk is a staple and 
few cats refuse it. Milk, of course, is the proverbial bev- 
erage, but cats should never be kept without water. Kittens 
should be fed chiefly on milk and cereals, the amount of 
meat in the diet being increased with advancing age. 

The cat is an uncommonly clean animal and easily trained 
to make use of a box filled with some fine, dry material, 
which should be changed frecjuently. Sand is much the 
best for this purpose, as ashes and sawdust are easily blown 
and tracked about. If a sleeping-box in a comfortable 
corner is provided, the animal will quickly realize that this 
is its allotted place. 

The practice of turning the cat out of doors at night is 
as cruel as it is unnecessary. No animal is fonder of warmth 
and comfort, and the pet's happiness certainly is not in- 
creased by a night spent in cold and dampness. If as much 
energy were exhausted in keeping the cat indoors as too 
commonly is expended in putting her out, how great would 
be the boon to human nerves and unfortunate wild things! 
All felines are normally nocturnal and it is at night, if ever, 
that a curb on their activities is needed. 

The device of hanging a bell on the neck, and that of 
arranging a wire, on which slips a ring with pussy's 
cord attached, will keep her out of mischief, especially 
during the spring, when young birds are about. 

The period of gestation in the cat is nine weeks. The 
kittens' eyes are closed at birth but open about the tenth 




Photograph bu H. V. t'arness 

White Persian Cat 




Photugiaph by H. V. Fatness 



Siamese Cat 



34 PETS 

day. At this period, bright Hght is dangerous and may re- 
sult in blindness. Unless the kittens are of a valuable breed, 
or future homes have been arranged for them, all but one 
or two should be destroyed at birth. When four or five 
weeks old, the kittens will begin to seek their share of their 
mother's meals and soon will be quite independent. 

Cats are sometimes troubled with fleas, but these are 
easily removed by sprinkling the fur thoroughly with pyre- 
thrum or Persian insect powder, obtainable from any drug- 
store. 

Breeds 

In spite of the great numbers of cats, very little has been 
done in the way of developing breeds, as compared with 
other domestic animals. The well-known promiscuity of 
the creature, coupled with the time-honored custom of giv- 
ing the pet its liberty at night, doubtless accounts for this 
lack. It is only during the last half-century or so that 
distinct breeds have appeared. 

The types of cats fall naturally into two chief groups : the 
short-haired and the long-haired or Persian. The former, 
of course, is simply the common cat, somewhat glorified by 
selective breeding. The body is rather short, strong and 
well filled out. The head is broad and round, with short, 
deep muzzle. The legs are of medium length and well 
muscled, while the tail must be tapering but not thin. The 
coat is short, soft and glossy. 

The Persian or Angora Cat appears really to have origi- 
nated in Persia, contrary to the usual rule of geographic 
names among domestic animals. There is no reason to 
suppose, however, that it originated in any other way than 
as a mutation or " sport " from the common short-haired 
variety, as in the Angora rabbit and Peruvian cavy. 

Persian cats average larger than short-haired ones, and 



PETS 35 

the difference is enhanced by the great length of hair. 
This is soft, dense and very profuse all over the body, includ- 
ing a brush to rival that of the fox. The head is broad and 
short. The shoulders and back are well developed and 
the legs of moderate length. 

Both short-haired and Persian cats are found in many 
colors. The eyes of most should be deep yellow or orange, 
with the exception of whites, in which they are blue, or 
sometimes one of each color. Blacks are perhaps the most 
common and must be of deep lustrous color, entirely free 
from white spots or ticks. Whites are attractive but all 
too frequently those with the correct blue eyes are deaf. 
In selecting specimens, this point should be observed. 

Smokes have a rather unattractive sooty appearance, the 
coat being lighter underneath than on the surface, while 
the extremities approach black. In blues one finds the 
familiar Maltese. The particular shade may vary but it 
must be even throughout. Creams are an uncommon vari- 
ety, of a soft, even shade suggested by the name. Chin- 
chillas are perhaps the most beautiful of all, a soft, pale 
gray, with darker shadings. The eyes are generally green. 

We come now to the tabbies and it is here that we are 
closest to the primitive. Although the narrow-striped type 
of the wild cat is still to be seen, it is not the one most in 
favor. The form admired by breeders is known as the 
marbled or blotched tabby. It is characterized by three 
parallel dark stripes along the back, from which radiate 
heavy oblique bands of varying width. The two types of 
markings are quite distinct. The origin of the blotched 
tabby is obscure but it seems most probable that it repre- 
sents a mutation from the striped form.* 

Tabby-marked cats occur in several combinations. The 

* Pocock, R. I. : " English Domestic Cats," Proceedings of the 
Zoological Society of London, Vol. I., 1907, pp. 143-168. 



36 PETS 

silver tabby .s a pale gray ground, with black markings, 
The brown tabby is similar but the main color is dark brown 
instead of g _,. The red or orange tabby is pale yellow, 
with stripes of dee- /ange. It is a curious fact that the 
great majority < .d i 'e tabbies are males, females being 
very uncommon. 

The tortoise-shell is a mixture of black, orange and yel- 
low patche , which should be approximately equal in size 
and evenly placed. In this color, it is the males that are 
rare ; in fact, so uncommon that the occasional individual is 
a curiosity. This is not a particularly pleasinp- va ■i<^tv, and 
becomes i attractive when white ma .gs are 

added. 

The Si ,. - -S a native of the country whose name it 

bears, ana certainly is still bred there. It is smaller and 
more slender than the ordinary short-haired cat -■■nd the 
tail is frc' uently kinked. The fur is noticeab' '^ 

soft, with a plush-like quality. The kittens are ■ 
when born, but when they become adult ass' 
color of pale grayish-fawn, with face, ears, 1 
approaching black. The eyes are blue. 

The Manx cat is characterized by the entire absence of a 
tail. This is a well-established character, which breeds true, 
and such cats are not to be confused with those in which 
the tail has been artificially docked. The hind legs of the 
Manx cat are considerably lengthened, giving the animal a 
curious, rabbit-like appearance. 



CHAPTER 11 

DOMESTIC RAL.'Ti^ 

It is not strange that the rabbit, as a pet, is almost ubiqui- 
tous. It has all of the qualifications necessary o endear it 
to the heart of childhood, and is large enougii to be of 
interest to the practically inclined adult. In Europe, the 
rabbit '" of t^uch importance as a means of food supply. 
Dear t..^ rience, however, has shown ' "ca has not 

yet reached the point where it can re reature in 

any other light than that of a pet. 

The attempt made a few years ago, to popularize the 
Belp-- ^^are as a food animal, collapsed when the point 
.g the surplus was reached. The bt omers had 
' concerning the great demand for the succulent 
^ rabbit, but the only persons impressed were 
thought to court fortune by a short-cut. Tre- 
mendous prices were paid for breeding animals, but once 
all of the prospective breeders were supplied the Belgian 
Hare became practically unsalable. 

The chief reason for this failure, of course, was the 
deeply rooted prejudice against eating rodents of any sort. 
It is a foolish antipathy, and once it has been overcome 
there is no doubt that the rabbit will become as popular as 
a table animal as its former promoters hoped. 

When the Belgian Hare craze was at its height the 
most elaborate rabbitries were erected. Great buildings, 
fitted with hutches for the accommodation of thousands 
of animals, were frequently seen. Except in a few cases, 

* Reprinted in part from Country Life in America, February, 
1917. Courtesy Doubleday, Page & Co. 

37 



38 PETS 

these structures are now devoted to other purposes, and 
the needs of the fancier are met by a much simpler affair. 



General Care 

Rabbits do best when allowed plenty of fresh air. If 
properly protected from draught and dampness they are 
not affected by cold. Some few keepers of utility rabbits 
advocate the use of large outdoor runs, after the fashion 
of a warren. The success of such practice, however, is 
doubtful, and it certainly savors too much of the hap- 
hazard to commend itself to the careful breeder. 

Individual hutches, if a size commensurate with the needs 
of the breed to be kept, will be found the most generally 
satisfactory. An unheated shed or stable, well ventilated, 
but free from draught and dampness, makes an excellent 
shelter for the hutches. 

Many styles of cages are in use for housing rabbits. 
Almost anything will do, of course, so long as it gives the 
animals room to exercise and safely confines them. The 
boy who keeps a pair of rabbits in his yard is indeed lack- 
ing in ingenuity if he cannot devise, without specific direc- 
tions, a suitable shelter for his pets. 

But those who go in more seriously for rabbit-keeping 
must follow a well-established system. Most rabbitries 
favor the stock cage, which permits the keeping of a larger 
number of animals on a given amount of floor space. 

Belgian Hares, because of their active habits, and Flemish 
Giants, because of their great size, require larger hutches 
than most other breeds. For these rabbits the hutch should 
be at least four feet long by two feet wide and high. Cages 
as short as two and a half feet wide will be found large 
enough for the smaller breeds, such as Dutch Rabbits. 

The material to fown the sides of the hutches must de- 



PETS 39 

pend on conditions. If the room is light and free from 
draught, the cage may be covered with half-inch mesh wire. 
On the other hand, if the position is exposed, all sides but 
one should be tightly boxed in. 

Hutches for breeding does must contain a snug box 
in one corner, or at one side, where the family may have 
perfect privacy. This is formed conveniently by the use 
of a slide, running from front to back, as described for 
cavies. A door of solid wood should be placed at the front 
of the nest box, and another opening into the cage proper. 

The floor of the hutch should at all times be well covered 
with clean sawdust. A handful or two of Sanitas will be 
found very efficient in keeping down the odor, although, 
fortunately, rabbits are not particularly ofifensive in this 
respect. The sawdust should be renewed at least two or 
three times weekly. 

During cold w^eather, hay or straw may be strewn over 
the sawdust, as an added protection. Straw only should be 
used for Angoras, as hay mats the hair. If a nesting box 
is in use, this also may be furnished with hay or straw. 

Hay, oats and greens are the staple food of rabbits. 
The hay should be soft, clean and free from mildew, that 
containing a large percentage of clover being the most 
relished. Carrots, beets, turnips and mangels are the vege- 
tables most in favor, particularly during the winter months. 
When obtainable, lettuce, celery, cauliflower, dandelion, plan- 
tain, clover and fresh grass are much relished. Cabbage is 
always to be had, and rabbits eat it readily enough. How- 
ever, it is a coarse food, and should be avoided when sub- 
stitutes can be secured. There need be no fear of giving 
adult rabbits plenty of green food, when they are accustomed 
to having it. Animals which for some time have been 
deprived of this item may be attacked by colic if suddenly 
allowed to gorge themselves. Green foods should be neither 



40 PETS 

wet nor wilted, as either condition will cause dangerous 
digestive disturbances. 

Many breeders make use of mashes containing bran, 
barley meal, middlings, oil meal, etc., and prepared meals 
may be purchased from dealers. Such mashes, if used, 
should always be thoroughly scalded and allowed to cool 
before feeding. 

Two meals per day are sufficient for adult rabbits under 
ordinary circumstances. Fresh water should be in the 
hutches at all times, although rabbits are among the unfortu- 
nate animals which are popularly supposed to thrive best 
without it. It is true that when green food is abundant 
little water is consumed. But when the use of drier foods 
is necessitated water is indispensable, and it is therefore 
best kept in the hutches at all times. 

Adult bucks and does usually are run in separate com- 
partments, although non-breeding does may be kept together. 
No animal should be used for breeding until well matured, 
and at least six to eight months old. The usual precau- 
tions, of course, should be taken to select for reproduction 
only healthy individuals. 

When a pair has been selected for breeding, the buck 
may be introduced to the doe's hutch, allowed to remain for 
a few hours and then removed. The period of gestation 
in rabbits is thirty days. During this period, the doe should 
be kept as quiet as possible and provided with plenty of 
nourishing food. Bread and milk should be given freely 
throughout the nursing period, and water should always 
be before the mother. 

When the young are expected, the doe will arrange a 
nest in the box, and line and cover it with soft fur plucked 
from her own coat. The young are blind and nearly bare, 
so the breeder does not feel that it is a great tribulation to 
forego an inspection for the first few days. 



PETS 41 

At the end of this period the Htter may be examined. It 
may be a very large one, perhaps as high as ten or twelve. 
But so many babies are too much for the mother to care for, 
and all but five or six should be removed. Of course the 
weakest individuals should be selected for destruction. 

When three or four weeks old, the young rabbits will 
begin to appear outside the nest, and soon will be feeding 
freely. If weaned at four weeks, the youngsters are able 
to care for themselves, but if left until they are two months 
old, or even a little longer, it will prove better for both 
mother and offspring. When the young rabbits are three 
months old, the sexes should be separated. Just after 
weaning well-prepared mashes will be found of great use. 

Breeds 

As the Belgian Hare is now by far the most popular 
breed, both in this country and in England, it ma}' be con- 
sidered first. It has, of course, no connection with any 
hare. It is a simple derivative of the common European 
rabbit (Lcpus cuniculus), as are all of the other breeds 
so far as known. When first introduced from Belgium to 
England, it was confidently believed to be a cross between 
hare and rabbit, a fallacy founded, no doubt, on the close 
resemblance to the color of the former animal. 

The Belgian Hare is essentially slim and racy. The 
head and body are long, the back slightly arched. The fore- 
legs are verv slender and of good length, the feet small and 
there should be no sign of a dewlap, or fleshy growth under 
the chin. The ears should be straight, carried upright and 
bordered near the tip with a narrow edge of black. 

The desired shade of color is commonly described as 
" rich rufous red." The red is overcast with a plentiful 



PETS 43 

ticking of black hairs, which are desired to be of a wavy 
appearance, rather than evenly sprinkled. 

Both black and white varieties of the Belgian Hare have 
been bred, but neither has ever become popular. 

The Flemish Giant is the largest rabbit breed, and from 
this fact has threatened to rival the Belgian Hare as a 
market animal. However, it was not strong enough, nu- 
merically, to become widely popular during the rabbit craze, 
and since that time breeders have discovered that there are 
various small deficiencies to balance its advantage in weight. 
Its flesh is less delicate than that of the Belgian, it is some- 
what less prolific and the young require a longer period to 
reach maturity. Nevertheless, the Flemish Giant is second 
only to the Belgian Hare in the numbers of its admirers. 

The typical Giant is dark gray in color, wavily ticked 
with black. This ticking extends over the entire body with 
the exception of the under surface of the body, which is 
pure white. As in the Belgian Hare, black, white and 
also light gray varieties are acquired. The former, at 
least, has attained some favor, and now is rather extensively 
bred. 

In shape it is to the Belgian Hare as the draught horse 
is to the thoroughbred. Its body is heavy, its legs thick 
and strong. The head is rounded and full, and the dewlap 
is well developed. 

A well-grown Flemish Giant should weigh eleven or 
twelve pounds. Occasional specimens are seen which scale 
up to sixteen or even eighteen pounds. 

To the color breeder, silvers are perhaps the most at- 
tractive of rabbits. There are three varieties — Silver Gray, 
Silver Brown and Silver Fawn — each presenting a com- 
plicated and delicate color scheme. The Silvers are small, 
cobby rabbits, seldom exceeding five or six pounds in weight. 
The ears are small and narrow, and the coat short and crisp. 



44 PETS 

The Silver Gray is really a bluish-black rabbit, evenly 
ticked throughout with white hairs. The wavy ticking so 
much sought for by breeders of Belgian Hares and Flemish 
Giants is anathema in a Silver. Young Silver Grays are 
black in the first coat, the silvering appearing later on. 

The Silver Fawn has the ground color orange, with white 
hairs evenly dispersed throughout. This is a really beau- 
tiful animal and well worth cultivation. 

The Silver Brown, said to be the result of a Silver Fawn- 
Belgian Hare cross, is rather more complicated. The body 
shade is chestnut which, when blown up, discloses a bluish 
undercolor. Over this chestnut ground both black and 
white hairs are evenly scattered, producing both silvering 
and ticking. The Silver Brown is difficult to breed to per- 
fection, and is perhaps less handsome than its congeners. 

Black-and-Tan and Blue-and-Tan Rabbits are of the 
same ground shape as the Silvers, with cobby bodies, neat 
ears and short coats. In size they are even smaller, seldom 
exceeding three or four pounds weight. 

The ground color is blue or black according to the variety. 
In either case the tan markings are the same. It is most 
interesting to note that the distribution of tan is much the 
same in dogs, mice and rabbits. In the latter species there 
is a triangle at the base of the neck, and the underparts, 
chest and throat are solid tan. There is a ring around 
each eye, a line along the jaw, a touch on the nostrils 
and edgings on the ears. The front feet are tanned on 
the toes only, but the hind feet have this color on the inside 
as well. 

The Polish is the smallest of rabbit breeds. In body it 
is short and cobby, with small, narrow ears. The eyes 
are large and prominent. The coat is very short and 
smooth, requiring much grooming to keep it in condition. 

As bred in America and in England, the Polish Rabbit is 



PETS 45 

invariably white. A few years ago, however, near Brussels, 
the writer saw some excellent specimens of the breed of 
the deepest black. This color seems unknown among Eng- 
lish-speaking breeders. 

The Lop-eared Rabbit is one of the oldest breeds. As 
with many other domestic animals, the over-development 
of an abnormal character has caused its final downfall. 
Once by far the most popular of all rabbits, its devotees now 
are many times outnumbered by the followers of more nor- 
mal breeds. 

Ears are everything with the Lop-ear, other characters 
being of small importance. It is a large rabbit, as indeed it 
must be to carry the immense aural appendages. It occurs 
in a great variety of self and pied colors, little attention 
being given this point. 

The ears are perfectly pendent, any tendency to upright- 
ness being an unforgivable fault. An almost unbelievable 
length has been produced and rabbits with ears measuring 
twenty-seven inches long by seven inches broad have been 
bred. 

Lop-ears require heated quarters for the best results. 
This fact, combined with the constant handling and manipu- 
lation required to produce the finest specimens, have served 
to discourage the tyro. 

Broken-colored rabbits are found in three well-known 
breeds, the most popular of which is the Dutch-marked. 
This animal presents the usual Dutch-markings, which con- 
sist of colored patches including cheeks, ears and eyes and 
saddle of the same shade, extending backward from the 
shoulders. The greatest importance is attached to even- 
ness of marking, particularly in the face patches, and the 
hind feet, which are white. 

There is a great variety of colors, black, blue, gray and 
tortoise-shell or shaded fawn being the most popular. 



46 PETS 

Dutch-marked Rabbits are small and short in body, with 
fine, straight ears and short coats. They are prolific and 
easily reared, and reputed to be the gentlest of the rabbit 
breeds. 

The Himalayan Rabbit is an excellent example of the 
tendency of fanciers to give to breeds of doubtful origin 
names indicating importation from distant countries. The 
Himalayan Rabbit was produced in England, an interesting 
account of its appearance being furnished by Darwin.* 

This is an albinistic breed, the eyes being pink. It is 
mainly white, with nose, ears, feet and tail of a deep black. 
The nose mark should be well developed, and cover the 
jaw, as well as the face as far as the eyes, while the legs 
should be colored well past the first joint. Much difficulty 
is experienced in getting the black sufficiently dense, most 
specimens being inclined to sootiness. Himalayas are white 
at first, and require several months to attain the full mark- 
ings. 

The English, sometimes known as the Butterfly Rabbit, 
is a most bizarre creature. It seems without the bounds 
of possibility that any animal could be bred even to approxi- 
mate the markings demanded, yet well-nigh perfect speci- 
mens are seen. 

The English is a rather large rabbit, averaging up to eight 
pounds in weight. It is white in general, with curiously 
distributed colored markings. The tail, ears, a ring about 
each eye, a circular spot at each side of the nose, supposed 
to represent the wings of a butterfly, and a line down the 
middle of the back are colored — black, fawn, blue, etc., 
as the case may be. The remainder of the markings con- 
sist of small, circular spots, placed as follows: a row along 
the sides, each spot to be well separated from the others ; a 

* Animals and Plants Under Domestication (Westminster Edition), 
Vol. I, p. 109. 



PETS 47 

spot at the first joint of each leg; three along each side 
of the belly, and one in the center of each cheek. It is 
important that the markings be clear, distinct and pure in 
color. 

The Angora is the most difficult of rabbits to keep in 
good condition. Its fur, while not so long, in proportion to 
its size, as that of the cavy, is much finer than that of the 
latter animal. It is very prone to matting, and only the 
most constant and careful brushing will keep the animal in 
presentable condition. 

Angoras are typically white, but colored varieties have 
been produced and are growing in popularity. There is 
no reason why the breed should be limited to white alone, 
and no doubt colored animals will, in time, become as well 
known as the albinos. 

Because of their soft, almost woolly fur. Angoras should 
not be bedded with hay, straw being much more desirable. 
Plenty of hutch space and absolute cleanliness are essential 
to the welfare of these rabbits. 



CHAPTER IV 

SMALL WILD ANIMALS 

Except for the domesticated forms, mammals are not espe- 
cially popular as pets in this country. In England, on the 
other hand, interest in these creatures has spread to such 
an extent that the Amateur Menagerie Club, devoted to fur- 
thering the interests of this particular branch of pet-keeping, 
has recently been organized. The reasons for this difference 
in the public attitude are not easily set forth; but the fact 
remains that, with the exception of the commoner monkeys 
and a few others, small exotic mammals suitable for the 
amateur are not at all freely imported here. Such as do 
come are in demand among zoological gardens, and seldom 
are obtainable by private persons. 

Many of our own native animals, however, make engag- 
ing pets, and there is no great difficulty in securing speci- 
mens. It is generally best to obtain young creatures, which, 
if reared by hand, soon forget their native timidity and 
become perfectly tame. Even if very young, most mammals 
are easily reared on the bottle, if reasonable attention be 
given them. 

Mammals are more easily fed than birds, and since they 
are less active, generally are happy in comparatively small 
quarters. On the other hand, their cages must be strongly 
built, and are not so readily kept clean as are those of birds. 
No creature should be confined in a cage too small to allow 
it sufficient exercise. Most of our native species are quite 
hardy, and out-of-door cages, with suitable shelters, should 
be provided for them. 



PETS 49 



Monkeys 



Monkeys are practically the only small foreign animals 
which reach our market in any numbers. Specimens of the 
commoner sorts are always obtainable, but tame individuals, 
suitable for pets, are not abundant. Young, hand-reared 
monkeys are interesting and diverting creatures, but as they 
grow older are very likely to become bad-tempered. Adult 
males often are vicious, and are then very dangerous. The 
writer well remembers a large male Geoffrey Spider Monkey 
which was given him when collecting in Costa Rica. This 
animal had been a family pet for several years, but re- 
cently had become so ill-tempered that only the cook dared 
go near him. A suitable box having been prepared for his 
reception, his keeper was directed to lead him to our head- 
quarters. A series of shrieks heralded the coming of the 
" pet," dragging on his chain, at the head of a procession 
of curious natives. Getting him into the Idox was a problem, 
for no one dared handle him and he threw off our light 
net with the greatest ease. He was finally drawn into the 
cage by running the free end of his chain through a hole 
drilled in the back. Once inside, he became perfectly quiet, 
and is still living in perfect contentment in the New York 
Zoological Park. 

Most species of monkeys are natives of warm climates, 
and cannot endure low temperatures. It is therefore neces- 
sary to provide heated quarters, at least during cold weather. 
If the animal is to be confined continuall}-, the cage should 
be not less than four feet in each dimension, and, if pos- 
sible, should connect with an outside run for summer use. 
If plenty of light can be obtained, it is best to make the 
walls of the cage entirely tight, with only the front wired, 
thus preventing draughts, which are fatal to monkeys. The 
wire and cage structure must be strong, for even small ani- 



50 PETS 

mals will test it severely at times. If the monkey is par- 
ticularly tame, so that it may frequently be allowed its 
liberty, either under the supervision of its owner or con- 
trolled by a light collar "and chain, its cage need not be so 
large. 

Some individuals like a sleeping-box, placed near the top 
of the cage. Strong branches and swings may be adjusted 
according to conditions. The floor should be covered 
with sawdust and a bunch of hay or straw placed in one 
corner for a bed. 

When first received, monkeys are not infrequently trou- 
bled with various external parasites. They may be freed 
from these by a bath in water containing creolin or some 
similar substance, after which they must be thoroughly 
dried. Insect powder sprinkled in the hair is also a good 
remedy. 

While the diet of monkeys in the wild state varies some- 
what, according to species, most are omnivorous in cap- 
tivity. Vegetables, raw or cooked, boiled rice, ripe fruit — 
such as bananas, oranges, sweet apples, etc. — stale bread 
and an occasional bit of well-cooked chicken will meet 
the needs of all. The food should be as varied as possible, 
and given two or three times daily. Over-feeding is to be 
avoided here, as in other groups. Most monkeys will drink 
fresh milk, to which a raw egg may be added now and then. 
Clean water should be provided at all times. 

The monkey which is most abundant in the American 
market is the Rhesus (Pithecus rhesus). This species 
belongs to the family Lasiopygin^, which, according to 
Elliot,* includes all of the Old World monkeys, with the 
exception of the great man-like forms. It is the commonest 
monkey of India, ranging from the hot plains to a com- 
paratively high elevation in the Himalayan foothills. It is 

* Elliot, D. G.: A Review of the Primates, 1912, Vol. II, p. 213. 




Rhesus Monkey 




White-faced Sapajou ISIonkey 




52 PETS 

a rather large animal, light brown in color and with a com- 
paratively short tail. The males, which are very likely to 
to become fierce as they mature, are larger than the females. 
This is a hardy species, easily kept. vj, 

Of the New World monkeys, most -of which are char- 
acterized by the long, prehensile tail, the Capuchins or 
Sapajous are the most common in captivity. They belong 
to the family Cebid^, which includes all of the larger mon- 
keys of the Western Hemisphere. The Capuchins are active 
and easily kept, tame individuals being affectionate and 
amusing. Monkeys of this genus are seen more frequently 
than any others, in the possession of organ-grinders. One 
of the best known species is the White-throated Capu- 
chin, or "Ringtail" (Cebus hypoleucus). It is some- 
what larger than a cat, its head and throat being nearly 
white, the remainder grayish brown. 

The Marmosets, which form the family Callitrichid^, 
are found only in tropical America. There are a large num- 
ber of species, all characterized by their diminutive size 
and squirrel-like habits. Marmosets make attractive pets, 
but generally do not live long in captivity. It is essential 
that they be kept warm and dry, as such conditions are 
necessary if they are to remain in health. Ripe fruit, bread 
and milk, biscuits, vegetables, insects and an occasional 
young sparrow are the usual items of diet. The most freely 
imported species is the Common Marmoset {Callithrix 
jacchus), of Brazil. It is a tiny creature, light brown 
above and blackish below. The head is black, with long, 
white ear-tufts, while the tail is banded with black and 
white. 

The Opossum 

The Virginia Opossum (Didelphis virginiana) belongs 
to the order Marsupialia, the members of which are char- 



PETS 53 

acterized by the fact that the young are born at an incom- 
pletely developed stage and finish their early growth in a 
sac on the abdomen of the mother. When they finally 
emerge, the young opossums clamber to their mother's back, 
holding themselves in position by wrapping their prehensile 
tails firmly around that of the parent. Opossums are 
typically tropical animals, South and Central America being 
the home of a large number of species of very diverse size. 
There is but one species in the United States, generally con- 
fined to the south, but not uncommon in the vicinity of New 
York. 

The opossum is a hardy creature and lives well in cap- 
tivity. It cannot be considered as a particularly desirable 
pet, since it is nocturnal in habits and lacks intelligence and 
friendliness of many other mammals. Its cage should in- 
clude a sleeping-box and suitable branches for climbing, 
at which it is very expert. The opossum's jaws are power- 
ful and it can administer a severe bite. It is an omnivorous 
feeder, and will eat meat (which should be partly cooked), 
chicken heads, sparrows, pigeons, bread and bananas and 
berries. The diet which seems to suit it best is milk and 
raw eggs, with a little chopped meat added. 

Foxes 

The recent craze for Ijreeding foxes for their fur has 
brought great popularity to the keeping of these animals in 
captivity. The fox breeders of Prince Edward Island have 
learned much concerning the needs of these animals, and 
have developed a great deal of skill in handling them. 

As a pet the fox does not shine. He is both smell v and 
tricky, really tame individuals being most uncommon. On 
the other hand, in a suitable enclosure, he lives well, and 
under proper conditions will breed. 



5.4 PETS 

A fox run should be of size sufficient to give the animal 
plenty of space, and not merely a box with a wire front. 
The wire must be strong and small in mesh. It must be 
sunk in the ground to prevent digging under, and have an 
overhang so that the occupant cannot climb over. A shelter 
of some sort should be included. If it is found necessary to 
confine the fox in small quarters, the cage must be cleaned 
frequently or it will become unbearable. 

Foxes are chiefly carnivorous, of course, and meat, pref- 
erably partly cooked, should form the chief article of diet. 
Small animals and birds, vegetables and bread, complete the 
menu. 

The foxes belong to the family Canid^, of the order 
Carnivores, or meat-eaters. A great many species are 
found in various parts of the world, but only two are known 
in eastern North America. 

The most common species of the East is the Red Fox 
{Vulpes fulzms). The typical specimen is reddish-yellow, 
the tip of the tail and the underparts being white and the 
ears and feet marked with black. The Cross, Black and 
Silver Foxes are simply melanistic phases of the common 
form, and not, as commonly supposed, distinct species. 

• The Raccoon 

Of North American mammals the raccoon is one of the 
most suitable for a pet. Wild-caught specimens are diffi- 
cult to tame, and are hardly worth while. But if taken 
while very young and carefully reared, the raccoon remains 
as gentle as a kitten. It is best confined by means of a 
collar and light chain, and should be kept well away from 
poultry, for which it has an insatiable appetite. If it is 
found necessary to confine the creature, the cage should be 
as large as possible and strongly constructed. If an out- 



PETS 55 

door run is planned, the wire should be sunk in the ground, 
either carried entirely over the top or an overhang ar- 
ranged. If a dead tree or branch can be included, the cap- 
tive will spend much of the daylight hours curled up in 
sleep among the limbs. 

The raccoon in captivity eats meat, fish, bread and vari- 
ous vegetables, which should not be excessive in quantity. 
Plenty of clean water should always be available, for the 
creature has a curious habit of washing all of its food be- 
fore eating. 

The Raccoon (Procyon lotor) belongs to the family 
Procyonid^, and is closely allied to the bears. The hind 
feet are of the type known as plantigrade, since the entire 
foot, and not merely the toes, is used in walking, as in the 
bears. The typical species ranges over the eastern United 
States, as far west as Arizona and Montana. 

The Skunk 

Like the fox, the skunk is now being bred in some num- 
bers for its fur. The experimental stage, however, has still 
to be passed, and skunk farmers do not appear to have ob- 
tained the success of fox breeders. Although generally 
held in bad repute because of the undoubted efficiency of the 
liquid musk secreted by glands near the tail, the skunk 
nevertheless makes an interesting pet. Young individuals 
become very tame and docile, and seldom make use of their 
natural defense. It is always safest, however, to render the 
apparatus innocuous by cutting the ducts of the glands, thus 
making their discharge impossible. 

Skunks are not great climbers, but are powerful diggers ; 
so if they are kept in an open enclosure, the fence must be 
run well into the ground, with an inward turn at the bot- 
tom. The wire must be strong and the mesh small. The 



J_ 


■ 111' 


H 


1 


■ifiai 


a*fai ^Kl^i«iM;' * A 


f 






»"•■• ' 


^^^^'^^^■^p ' ^ 


" - 


tt"^-lTir 



Red Fox 




Woodchuck 



ir- 


■■r 








< 




1 




^^" 


^■' 


:^' 




H^v 








jSm 


7 


-Jri 








IIIMMiVI 




"^-*'\ 


, 










^ 



Photograph by E. li. Sanborn Courtesy ^'eu• York Zoological Society 

Albino Gray Squirrel 



PETS 57 

skunk naturally sleeps in an underground burrow, and if a 
barrel, with a wooden shute attached, be sunk in the ground, 
it will take advantage of the retreat. Skunks are chiefly in- 
sectivorous, but in captivity wall eat meat of all sorts, birds 
and small animals, frogs, fish, cereals, dog biscuit and vari- 
ous fruits and vegetables. 

The skunks belong to the family Mustelid.e, which in- 
cludes the weasels, mink, wolverine, etc. Numerous species 
and subspecies are distril)uted throughout North and Central 
America. The form found in the northeastern United 
States is the Common Skunk (Mephitis mephitis putida). 
There is much variability in the relation between black and 
white in the fur, those with full white dorsal stripes being 
of much less commercial value than those which are almost 
entirely black. There is no doul)t of the possibility of 
establishing, by selection and careful breeding, a strain of 
skunks with the markings much reduced. 

The Woodchuck 

Although the woodchuck is one of our commonest mam- 
mals, it is seldom kept as a pet. The reason for this neglect 
is obscure, for, if caught when young, it has many endear- 
ing qualities. Adults when first captured are wild and 
vicious, and since the}- can bite severel}-, are not suited for 
pets. 

If the woodchuck is tame enough to be allowed its freedom 
at least part of the time, its cage need not be of large size. 
It is generally best, however, to arrange an outdoor run, in 
which the animal can live in comfort. It will be necessary 
either to cover the top or arrange an overhang and to run 
the wire well into the ground, with an inward twist at 
the bottom. A barrel should be sunk, with a drain pipe or 
wooden runwav, to serve as a nest. Hav or other material 



58 PETS 

should be furnished for Hning. During the winter months, 
the vvoodchuck will hibernate in its underground chamber, 
emerging quite unconcernedly in the spring. Woodchucks 
are vegetable feeders, and will thrive on a diet of fresh 
grass, clover, cabbage, lettuce, vegetables of all sorts and 
dry bread. Very young specimens may be fed at first on 
milk and boiled cereal. 

The WooDCHUCK (Marmota monax) belongs to the 
Marmot family (Sciurid^), of the order of Rodents or 
Gnawers. It is found throughout the eastern United States 
as far west as Kansas, and is represented in other portions 
of the continent by various allied forms. Cases of melanism 
are not rare, and pure albinos are occasionally seen. 

Squirrels 

Squirrels are kept as pets more frequently than any other 
of our mammals, the combination of attractiveness and 
propinquity no doubt accounting for their popularity. 
Gray Squirrels, even when caught adult, sometimes become 
tame, but Red Squirrels and Chipmunks practically never 
do. With all species, it is much better to secure them when 
very young. Baby squirrels are not at all difficult to rear, 
and will take milk from a bottle with little urging. 

The usual wire cages, with wheels attached, are quite 
unsuited for such active creatures, giving them insufficient 
room for exercise. A much better plan is to build a large 
outdoor cage, similar to an aviary, of wire not more than 
half-inch mesh. This can be fitted up with branches and 
nesting logs, and will make an ideal home for a pair of 
squirrels. Gray and Flying Squirrels frequently breed in 
captivity, but Red Squirrels do so less often. 

Squirrels are chiefly vegetarian, but often stray from 
the narrow path, and indulge in eggs and young birds. In 



PETS 59 

captivity the diet should consist of grain, nuts, vegetables, 
dry bread and an occasional bone with a little meat at- 
tached, or a raw egg. 

Before attempting to keep squirrels, one should become 
thoroughly familiar with the local game laws, since certain 
species are protected in many states. 

The squirrels belong to the same family (Sciurid.e) as 
the woodchuck. A great many species are known, but only 
three are common in captivity. The one most frequently 
kept as a pet is the Gray Squirrel (Sciurns caroUnensis), 
which ranges throughout eastern North America, from 
southern Canada to Florida. The typical form is gray 
above and white or brownish below. Black specimens are 
common in many parts of the country, and pure white ones 
are sometimes seen. These are simply melanistic and 
albinistic phases, of course, and not distinct species. 

The Red Squirrel (Sci'itrus hudsonicus), divided into 
numerous subspecies, inhabits most of the northern part of 
North America. It is the smallest of the true squirrels and 
always recognizable by its reddish upper parts and white 
breast. Young Red Squirrels make excellent pets and will 
retain their attractive ways when they become adult. Older 
specimens, however, seldom if ever lose their wildness, and 
are better let alone. The diet of the Red Squirrel should 
contain more animal food than that of most other 
species. 

The Northern Flying Squirrel (Sciurus subrimis) 
is found, in some of its races, through northern North 
America. In the southern states two other distinct species 
occur, but all are essentially Flying Squirrels. Of all the 
squirrels, these are by far the most attractive, their soft 
fur, large, dark eyes and gentle manner setting them apart 
from the others. Their only drawback, however, is the 
fact that they are nocturnal in habit, spending most of the 



60 PETS 

daylight hours curled up asleep in their nests. At night 
they are very active, scrambling about the cage like mice. 
Perhaps, more than with other squirrels, it is very necessary 
to provide a hollow log or other cavity for its nest. It is 
not unusual for the Flying Squirrel to breed in captivity and 
to rear its young successfully. This animal does not really 
fly, of course, but makes prodigious leaps, volplaning to 
safety by spreading the large flaps of skin which join the 
limbs on each side of the body. 

The Eastern Chipmunk {Tamias striatus), divided 
into several subspecies, is found in the eastern United States 
and southern Canada. It is essentially a ground-dweller 
and generally ascends trees only when hard pressed by an 
enemy. If exposed to cold during the winter, this species 
immediately begins hibernation, from which it does not 
emerge until the approach of spring. If kept in a heated 
room, however, it remains active throughout the year. Baby 
chipmunks make engaging pets, but if caught adult they 
seldom overcome their natural timidity. Throughout the 
western states there are a great number of species of 
chipmunks, many more beautiful than our eastern species, 
and just as desirable as pets. 

Wild Rabbits and Hares 

For some reason, most wild rabbits do not thrive in close 
confinement. Whether this is due to improper feeding or 
to some other cause is unknown. On the other hand, occa-- 
sional individuals thrive exceedingly, so there is reason to 
believe that further investigation will bring better results. 

The wild rabbit or hare should be given as much space 
as possible, preferably out of doors. They do not climb, 
but dogs and cats are likely to enter, so it is safer to cover 
the entire top with wire netting. Hares do not burrow, so 



PETS 61 

are not likely to escape in that manner, but for rabbits 
it is necessary to run the wire into the ground, or even cover 
the entire bottom of the cage. Our native species are indif- 
ferent to cold, but cannot endure damp quarters. Hares do 
not nest in holes, and so should be supplied with a shelter 
on the surface. Rabbits dwell in burrows, and a box or 
barrel may be sunk for them. The food should be of a 
vegetable nature, such as fresh grass, clover, cabbage, 
vegetables and bread. Water should be provided at all 
times. 

The rabbits and hares belong to the family Leporid^, of 
the same order as the woodchuck and the squirrel (Glires). 
The two groups are distinguished by the fact that hares have 
long ears and spend their lives above ground, while rab- 
bits have short ears and make their homes in burrows. 

The Varying Hare or Snowshoe Rabbit {Lepus amer- 
icanicus), of the extreme northeastern United States and 
Canada, is a typical hare, well known to the sportsman for 
its excellent running qualities. This hare is brown during 
the summer months, but at the aproach of winter assumes a 
white coat, presumably for protective reasons. Captivity 
does not seem to suit it, although there appears to be no 
good reason why it should not live. 

The Jack Rabbit {Lepus texianus) is, of course, really 
a hare, and not a rabbit. Several closely allied species are 
found in various parts of western North America. The 
Jack Rabbit is characterized by a slim body and immense 
ears. If given proper treatment, this species does well in 
captivity, but some individuals appear to be less hardy than 
others. 

The Cotton-tail or Gray Rabbit (Lepus sylvaticus) 
is a true rabbit, nesting in burrows. It ranges from the 
northern portion of the United States to Central America. 
The Cotton-tail is readily distinguished by its small size, 



62 PETS 

short ears and white fluffy tail. Under suitable conditions, 
it does well in confinement and can be kept with little diffi- 
culty. No wild rabbit, however, even approximates the 
hardiness of domesticated forms, and if a pet is all that is 
desired, the latter certainly should be chosen. 



SECTION II 
BIRDS 



CHAPTER V 

GENERAL CARE 

Most mammals, with the exception of the smaller sorts, 
are cultivated because of their economic value. Birds, on 
the other hand, usually are kept for their aesthetic worth 
alone. It is true, of course, that the various domestic 
fowls form an important source of our food supply, but, 
aside from them, there is little reason for keeping birds but 
for the pleasure they bring. The song of the canary insures 
its constant existence in thousands of homes the world over; 
the imitative ability and quaint habits of the parrot make 
certain its continued popularity. Those birds which cannot 
divert us with their songs invariably possess decorative 
value, since all birds are beautiful. 

Birds in general are clean, free from offensive odors, 
gentle and easily housed. Properly cared for, most species 
will live in captivity for many years. The adverse condi- 
tions under which canaries frequently are kept, and their 
usually thriving appearance, attest the hardiness of the bird 
when its needs are even partially understood. The canary, 
to be sure, has been cage-bred for generations, and its re- 
quirements are of the simplest, but the great majority of 
wild birds become equally happy in captivity when their 
wants are fully grasped. 

There is some feeling among persons of supersensitive 
or sentimental temperament against the caging of wild 
birds. That it is wrong for certain of the most delicate 
species to be kept by the indiscriminating there can be no 
doubt. Some birds require care which every one has not 

65 



66 PETS 

the knowledge or ability to provide, and under such cir- 
cumstances bird-keeping is not to be encouraged. 

But to maintain that every caged bird is unhappy is a 
contention which cannot be supported. The brain of a bird 
is not developed to the point which has been reached by the 
higher mammals. Even they become perfectly contented in 
captivity when properly housed, so why should not the bird ? 
There are no grounds for believing that the avian mind is 
concerned with matters other than those of its daily exist- 
ence. No one who has had personal experience with 
properly fed, correctly caged wild birds can doubt their 
contentment. Relieved from the problems of securing daily 
food, freed from the ever-present dangers which throng 
their feral lives, their lot certainly is not that of the 
oppressed. 

Such results, however, are dependent on the bird-keeper 
himself. No person should take upon himself the respon- 
sibility of caring for any living creature, unless he is thor- 
oughly familiar with the conditions which are necessary for 
its well-being. This rule applies to the keeping of horses 
and dogs, as well as to that of the most delicate birds, and 
its infractions are even more likely to be found in the first 
field than in the latter. 

Because of the alarming decrease in numbers of native 
American birds, laws prohibiting their capture became neces- 
sary. There can be no question of the justice of these 
restrictions, but to their passage must be attributed the lack 
of interest in avicultural matters, general in this country. 
The English, notable for their love of pets and the thor- 
oughness with which they pursue their hobby, support two 
societies and three periodicals exclusively devoted to the 
study of wild birds in captivity. A great volume of facts 
concerning nesting and other habits of birds has become 
known through the efforts of these enthusiasts, hoc to 



PETS 67 

mention the wonderful advances made in the technic of 
bird-keeping. 

This sort of thing is almost unknown and but little 
understood in America. The great field c.f scientific re- 
search and the simpler pleasures afforded by the com- 
panionship of birds are rendered inaccessible and difficult by 
lack of knowledge. That such conditions may not always 
exist is the earnest hope of the writer. 

Through extension of knowledge of practical bird-keep- 
ing, many species threatened with extinction may be saved. 
One very notable instance is that of the Wood Duck. This 
bird has long been known in Europe as an ornamental addi- 
tion to lakes and ponds. It is now bred in large numbers 
in Holland and Germany, and three-quarters of the captive 
Wood Ducks seen in America were reared in Europe. This 
is now one of the rarest of our native ducks, but propaga- 
tion of captive birds will save it from extinction. 

Work of this sort is now beginning to be done extensively 
in America, though principally with game birds. Sys- 
tematic attempts are being made, to save the Ruffed Grouse 
and the Bobwhite. In the New York Zoological Park, 
Mourning Doves are now being reared in considerable 
numbers, and liberation of surplus birds has already taken 
place. 

In the following pages none but the commoner of the 
many species of cage birds is considered. Only those 
sorts which are readily obtainable in America, and which 
are hardy and easily kept in captivity, are mentioned. 
Space does not permit the detail necessary to fully describe 
the care of more unusual forms. Moreover, the keeping of 
the rarer birds, most of which are uncommon in captivity 
simply because they are difficult to cater to, should never 
be undertaken except by persons made competent by experi- 
ence. 



68 PETS 

Few North American birds, for obvious reasons, are 
included. Every one should thoroughly familiarize himself 
with the bird laws of his own state, and regard them re- 
ligiously. In cases where state permits have been granted 
for the carrying on of special work with native species their 
care ma-' easily be deduced from that described for closely 
related foreign forms. 

Cages and Aviaries 

Two methods of housing birds, the aviary and the indi- 
vidual cage, are in general use. The former is usually 
chosen by those who go in for collections, but the smaller 
cage is necessary for special cases, and is of course most 
commonly used by persons who keep only a bird or two. 

In the aviary birds may be expected to li ' ^reed as 

well. Conditions may be made to approximau^ v^^ . _^._, 
those under which the bird lives in the wild state, and a 
really well-planned aviary leaves little to be desired as a 
bird home. 

The aviary may be of any dimensions, 
buildings and flying-cages which house larg 
single enclosures of wire netting. There are in America 
a growing number of private collections, som-^ of which 
are magnificently housed. In such cases, the uiiu .-w.. 
should be well built of wood, brick or concre -' ' ^^'^ 
light supplied from ample skylights. These ^.x^u^.v. ue 
made to rise, thus furnishing the ventilation needed in hot 
weather. Ample walking space should be left for the at- 
tendant and for visitors, and the remainder divided into 
as many large flight-cages as permissible, 
should be fitted with numerous branches, to se. 
and hiding-places, and a few nest boxes as well, although 
much breeding seldom is done under such ct "''—- If 



PETS 69 

delicate birds are to be kept, provision must be made for 
artificial heat. 

Each cage must, of course, have arrangements for food 
and water. The former may be supplied in small dishes, 
which are removed and thoroughly cleaned daily. Many of 
the larger houses have a system of running wate" in each 
cage; but if this is not convenient, any shallow receptacle, 
sufficiently wide and preferably of enamel or agateware, 
will answer. 

For the bottom of the cage sand is the best covering. 

Each indoor cage should connect with an outdoor flight, 
the dimensions of which may be as liberal as space will 
allow. If the installation is of a permanent character, con- 
crete bases and angle iron are the most lasting. Otherwise 
wooden posts, covered with one of the many preservative 
fluids " the market, will last for years. For the 

^LL.^ ^iiuo all wire used should be of half-inch mesh. 

There are many types — diamond, hexagonal and square — 

the first-mentioned being the most desirable so far as shape 

of mesh i*? '^'^'^rerned. Larger birds, of course, are easily 

'ire of larger mesh, but rats, half grown, 

through a space one inch square. It is much 

better, therefore, to use the finer netting throughout, and 

pvrlud'- 1-^^s as well as sparrows. Nothing larger than 

.xcv;-cigmns inch will keep out mice, and these pests are 

*' ~.ent bane of the bird-keeper. Wire or concrete 

shouxu UK. 1 ..n well into the ground, to prevent rats and other 

marauders from digging under. If concrete bases are 

used, they should be run up for at least a foot above the 

ground OHierwise. boarding should cover the lower part 

walls, at least to prevent dogs and other in- 

Liu.^. alarming the inmates. 

The flights should contain as much natural vegetation as 
possible, au' more may be added as occasion requires. The 



70 PETS 

ground should be well sodded, and it may be well to make 
gravel zones along the walls, to prevent the formation of 
unsightly bare spaces. 

Evergreens, mountain laurels and rhododendrons make 
excellent cover. Privet and similar shrubs are hardy and 
grow well, while the many species of Spiraea add a touch 
of color early in the spring. Pampas grass, if there is room 
for it, is wonderfully decorative, and afifords the best of 
shelter. 

For aviculture on a smaller scale, aviaries of almost any 
sort, so long as they are properly constructed, will do. 
Many birds are sufficiently hardy to winter out of doors 
without heat. It is always best, however, to attach to each 
flight a shelter of some sort, into which the birds may be 
driven in case ofcold weather. Many bird-keepers make 
use of such cages during the summer months only, and re- 
move their pets to warmer quarters during the winter. 

Aviaries of the sorts described are suitable for birds of 
many kinds, including all of the small perching birds, par- 
rakeets, doves, quail, etc. The selection of cage-mates is a 
matter for careful consideration. If the aviaries are large, 
many species which will not agree in small quarters will 
live in happiness. Most of the smaller birds may be asso- 
ciated with safety, but many of the weavers are quarrel- 
some and not to be trusted with weaker species. When it 
comes to the larger forms, it is always best to be certain 
of the characteristics of the species and the temper of the 
individual before introducing it to mixed groups. Birds 
which are so quarrelsome or delicate that they are best kept 
alone will be noted in the following pages. 

If breeding is especially desired, seclusion is the keynote. 
The safest way is to let each pair have a separate aviary to 
itself. As this is often difficult, several pairs of different 
species may be kept together, if the flight is large enough to 



PETS 71 

furnish plenty of space for each. Plenty of thick cover 
should afford snuggeries for timid birds, and nest boxes 
should be hung about in likely positions. Nesting material, 
such as soft hay, horse hair, moss, leaves, feathers, etc., 
should be available. String and cotton are dangerous for 
such purposes, as the feet of parents or young may become 
entangled. 

When birds are expected to breed, the aviary should be 
entered as little as possible, and then by one person only. 
Dogs and cats must be prevented from alarming the inmates 
of the aviary, as a fright at this time may upset breeding 
plans for the season. 

Cages are the usual homes of pet birds, space and con- 
ditions making their use necessary in most cases. While 
many birds undoubtedly do better at liberty in aviaries, it is 
equally true that a good number are much better off in 
smaller quarters. There are species whose food habits make 
them difficult to cater to, or which are uncommonly delicate 
as regards draught and dampness. 

There are all kinds of cages, and the selection of a suit- 
able one is not the simple matter it is commonly supposed 
to be. The open brass cages commonly sold are an abomi- 
nation from many points of view. They offer the inmate 
no protection from draught and fright, the brass is likely 
to become coated with poisonous verdigris, and artistically 
they are outrageous. It is unfortunate that the brass cage 
has become so popular in America, for it will be displaced 
with difficulty. 

Handsome wicker cages are now being offered by some of 
the more advanced shops, but the prices asked generally are 
excessive. While these cages are dangerously open, they 
excel the brass contraption in at least two points. 

The ideal b^'rd-cage is of the box type. Such a cage is 
entirely enclosed, except on one side, which is furnished with 



72 PETS 

wire bars. It may be handsomely enameled and delicately 
ornamented, or it may be the more plainly finished but 
serviceable sort known as a breeding-cage. The better 
grades of box-cages are difficult to obtain in America, al- 
though in Europe they are in common use. But the breed- 
ing-cage is ubiquitous, and is to be recommended when a 
more decorative one is not available. 

The box-cage is almost essential for the well-being of 
small cage birds, few but the canary becoming so inured to 
cage life that they can endure the open type. Delicate 
specimens are protected from the dangers of draughts, and 
troublesome nightly covering with a cloth is avoided. Two 
feet long by fifteen inches deep and high are the usual 
dimensions of the breeding-cage. It is roomy enough for 
one bird of fairly large size, such as a thrush, for a pair 
of canaries or similar birds, or for a mixed group of a 
half dozen or so small finches. Overcrowding is fatal and 
a frequent mistake with beginners. 

The perches should be small enough for the bird to grasp 
easily, and so placed as to allow room for flight. Excellent 
perches may be made of natural twigs, with the bark left 
on. These afford a grip for the bird's feet and may save 
many a case of foot trouble. 

Sand is the proper covering for the cage bottom. White, 
clean sea-sand is the best sort. Shells and gravel are likely 
to injure the feet, and the common brown sand contains 
much clay, which soon dries and becomes pulverized to 
dust. This sand should be changed or at least brushed over 
daily, as it is important that the bottom of the cage be dry 
and clean. 

Foods 

According to the food they eat, the smaller cage birds are 
divided by aviculturists into two large groups — •' soft- 



PETS 73 

bills " and " hard-bills." Soft-bills are those of insectivor- 
ous or frugivorous habits, while hard-bills are the seed- 
eaters. 

The latter division includes the great tribe of finches, 
grosbeaks and buntings, the weavers, waxbills and grass 
finches and a few others. The feeding of these birds is of 
the simplest order. Canary seed is the chief item, with 
white and yellow millet of nearly equal importance. The 
former is eaten by every seed-eating bird and is the most 
valuable of foods, although it has a tendency to induce fat- 
ness. Millet is better adapted for the small waxbills and 
grass finches, which may have some difficulty in cracking 
harder seeds. Rape seed is an excellent addition, and is 
greatly in favor among the Germans. 

All seed-eaters will be benefited by the addition of small 
weed and grass seeds, an excellent grade of which is now 
on the market. Hemp and sunflower are eaten eagerly by 
grosbeaks and cardinals, but are rich in oils and must be 
given sparingly. Flax has no superior for weak or run- 
down birds, and oats are useful for such birds as are able 
to eat them. 

Parrots, of course. live chiefly on seeds. Sunflower, oats 
and a little canary will be found a very satisfactory mixture, 
although a few hemp seeds may be added now and then. 
The feeding of parrots will be discussed at more length 
later on. 

The soft-billed birds ofifer far greater problems, and it 
is here that the skill of the aviculturist receives its severest 
test. A compound of various ingredients, known as in- 
sectile mixture, mocking-bird food or simply soft food, is 
the principal item. This may be mixed as needed, or pur- 
chased in ready-to-use packages. The former course is 
recommended. The base is usually unsweetened biscuit or 
zweiback, known to be free from baking powder and other 



74 PETS 

harmful ingredients. Many bird-keepers bake their own 
biscuit, but where large numbers of birds are kept this 
involves an amount of labor which generally is prohibitive. 

To the base is added egg, either preserved or freshly 
boiled. Many authorities are opposed to the use of free 
egg, feeling that its tendency to rapid decomposition and 
production of harmful bacteria is too dangerous. A large 
number of boiled eggs are used daily for the bird collections 
in the New York Zoological Park, and no evil effects have 
ever been noted. If strict cleanliness is observed, there is 
little fear of trouble. However, preserved egg in tins is 
to be obtained, or if biscuit is baked, egg can be included in 
mixing, 

A good quality of dried ox-heart or crissel, well scalded, 
may be added in the proportion of one part of meat to four 
parts of meal. Dried ants' " eggs " and dried " flies," also 
scalded, should be mixed in, the quantity depending on the 
habits of the birds to be fed. Carrot, either grated raw or 
boiled, and put through a food-chopper, furnishes a desirable 
element. Cottage or pot cheese, made from sour milk, is 
undoubtedly a valuable food for all birds that will eat it. It 
is rich in proteids, and very helpful in the feeding of deli- 
cate, insectivorous species. 

Small bits of scraped beef, free from fat, are relished by 
many birds.. Immersion for a few seconds in boiling water 
will be found greatly to reduce the laxative effect. It should 
never be given to small species, but larger birds will not 
be harmed by occasional treats, and for some it is a neces- 
sity. Raw meat is used too freely by many bird-keepers, 
whose troubles may often be traced to this source. Various 
dried fruits, preserved almonds, etc., are sometimes included 
in soft foods, but, after all, the system just described will 
meet the needs of most birds. 

Living insect food in some form is relished by many 




Courtesji Advanced Agricultural Publishing Co. 

Soemmering Pheasant 




Vieillot Fire -back Pheasant 



7(i PETS 

birds of both groups, although a certain few will touch 
nothing of the sort. Meal worms are the most common and 
convenient form. They are supplied by dealers, or are 
easily reared, if one has space to devote to their culture. 

Meal worms require dark but well-ventilated quarters, 
and an even temperature of 65° or 70°. A metal ash-can 
set away in an out-of-the-way corner will produce enough 
for a small aviary, but larger establishments find broad, 
low trays or boxes more convenient. The boxes should 
be half filled with fine meal, such as flour, middlings and a 
little bran, whole wheat finely ground being perhaps the best. 
With this should be mixed a quantity of rags and paper, 
to relieve the pressure of the meal. A quantity of meal 
worms must be secured and placed in the boxes. If they 
are regularly fed on dampened bread (soaked in stale beer, 
by preference), green foods and fresh vegetables, in due 
time the larvae will metamorphose to sluggish black beetles. 
This usually occurs early in spring, but varying conditions 
may have a retarding effect. Care must be taken to remove 
surplus food before it can decompose, and to keep the boxes 
free from excessive heat or dampness. A short time after 
the beetles appear they deposit their eggs and promptly 
die. If all goes well, however, a myriad of tiny wriggling 
meal worms soon will be found in the meal. They must 
be v^^ell fed and will grow rapidly. When they are required 
for feeding, they are easily removed by running the meal 
through a small sieve. Of course, a few must be allowed 
to mature for a renewal of the supply. 

Other insects are equally valuable, but more difficult to 
obtain. Nothing is superior to the huge Oriental roach, 
which has gained a foothold in many places. Flies, spiders 
and certain caterpillars are eaten greedily, if they can be 
secured. Maggots or gentles are popular with some bird- 
keepers. If allowed to scour in bran or sand for at least 



PETS 71 

two days, and then used in moderation, there is no reason 
why their feeding should be other than beneficial. If al- 
lowed to remain another day or two, they will turn into 
chrysalids, when they make a very good food. 

Fruit is the principal article of diet of many birds, such 
as tanagers, orioles and certain thrushes. Banana is the 
best and fortunately the cheapest. It should be ripe but 
firm and free from over-softness. In some cases it is best 
to cut it into small cubes, which may be swallowed entire, 
the only objection being that it quickly decomposes when in 
this condition. Other birds prefer the entire fruit, but some 
will get badly smeared about the head if it is given in this 
form. 

Oranges are good, but tangarines are better, as they are 
less acid. Grapes, especially the white sort, are very useful, 
and should be cut for most birds. Pears are excellent but 
laxative, and dried raisins and currants are eaten freely, 
but are likely to contain harmful preservatives. Native 
berries should be given when in season, but it must be borne 
in mind that they are strongly laxative in action. 

Green food is necessary for all birds that will eat it, 
and most will do so freely. Chickweed, watercress, dande- 
lion and flowering grasses all are good. In the winter 
months lettuce is generally obtainable, and will serve to tide 
the birds over until other greens are again available. 

Cuttlefish bone should be furnished all seed-eaters, and 
a lump of rock salt will be relished by many. 

The foregoing directions will serve for most species of 
the cage-bird group. Those whose care differs, or which 
need special attention, will be noted in due order. 

Diseases 

When properly kept or cared for, birds in captivity sufifer 
from few diseases. It is only when they become run down 



78 PETS 

from neglect, or during the molting season, that they are 
likely to be attacked. 

Birds respond readily to treatment, and slight ailments 
may frequently be relieved. On the other hand, when really 
seriously ill, medicines are of little avail. There is much 
charlatanry practised in such matters, many persons secur- 
ing their livelihood by claiming to be able to cure dis- 
eased birds, or by the sale of so-called curative preparations 
which are not of the slightest value. 

In treating a sick bird, a most important ally is heat. 
Sustained, even warmth, with entire protection from 
draught, will save many an ailing specimen. 

For the mild colds and diarrhoeas to which cage birds 
are prone, nothing is better than a few drops of blackberry 
brandy in the drinking water. In cases of knov^m constipa- 
tion, a mild dose of Epsom salts in the water, or a drop or 
two of castor oil, carefully administered, will bring rehef. 
These are the standard remedies of the bird room, and 
when their use is no longer of avail the aviculturist may 
be prepared for trouble. 

Incorrect feeding is at the bottom of many cases of ill- 
ness. Seed-eaters are likely to become over-fat and soft- 
bills frequently become run down from lack of sufficient 
insect food. A reduction of food and a drop of oil in the 
first instance, and a few good meals of living insects in the 
latter, will work wonders. 

Many birds, canaries in particular, become affected with 
chronic asthma. Over-fat birds sometimes exhibit symp- 
toms simulating those of asthma, but these quickly dis- 
appear when treated as described above. True asthma is 
incurable by any means so far devised, though no avian 
affliction is more profitable to hucksters of cure-alls. Two 
or three drops of glycerine in the drinking water, for sev- 
eral days in succession, followed by an upbuilding of the 



PETS 79 

bird's general condition, will cause temporary relief. Four 
or five drops of tincture of gentian in the drinking water 
make an excellent tonic for such purposes. 

Roup is a disease to which almost all birds are subject. 
It certainly is not common in cage birds, but game birds, 
doves and pigeons, hawks and owls are especially subject 
to it. The symptoms are the running of mucus from eyes 
and nostrils, frequently accompanied by swollen face and 
offensive odor. It is highly infectious, and unless affected 
specimens are especially valuable it is far better to destroy 
them at once and disinfect thoroughly. If an attempt is 
made to cure the bird, it should be removed to warm quar- 
ters and given the best of food. Eyes, nostrils and throat 
should be cleared frequently with creolin, potassium per- 
manganate, or lysol. If the face is swollen, the tip of a 
soft rul)ber ear syringe, filled with a weak solution of zinc 
sulphate or potassium permanganate, may be introduced 
into the cleft in the roof of the mouth or palate. If the 
syringe is directed forward, on alternate sides, and gently 
squeezed, the mucus obstructing the passages of eyes and 
nostrils may be forced out. Pills of quinine and capsicum 
are of excellent service in such cases. Many proprietary 
products, claimed to be very efficient, are in the market. 

Parrots are subject to colds, which affect the voice and 
sometimes cause discharge from e}es and nostrils. An ex- 
cellent remedy is to cover the cage care full}' with a cloth 
and then introduce at the bottom a hot iron plate or coal 
shovel, on which two or three drcp3 of carbolic acid have 
been placed. The bird should be allowed to inhale the fumes 
for three minutes, when the cloth may be removed. Two 
or three repetitions of this treatment will be found to have 
a most salutary effect. 

Tuberculosis is the bane of the pheasants and doves, and 
sometimes occurs in parrots and other groups. It has yet 



80 PETS 

to be identified in cage birds, so-called cases of tuberculosis 
generally being referable to bird fever. There is no cure 
known for this disease, and since it is highly contagious 
scrupulous care should be taken to prevent the introduction 
of infected birds. 

Bird fever and septic fever are responsible for the tre- 
mendous number of deaths which sometimes occur among 
freshly imported cage birds, particularly canaries. Two or 
three years ago the bird importers of New York suffered 
severe losses from an epidemic of this disease, which was 
rife among canaries. Each disease is caused by a specific 
bacillus. The symptoms in each case are similar — dullness, 
roughness of plumage and refusal of food — death usually 
resulting in about a week. Post-mortem examination re- 
veals the presence of whitish nodules in the greatly enlarged 
liver and spleen in the case of bird fever, but not in septic 
fever. Both diseases are highly infectious, almost uniformly 
fatal, and suspected of being communicable to man. As no 
efficient treatment is known, affected birds should be de- 
stroyed and the most rigorous disinfection of the entire 
premises employed. 

Psittacosis is a bacterial disease peculiar to parrots. It 
is of common occurrence among freshly imported specimens, 
and accounts, in many cases, for the very high mortality 
sometimes experienced. Its presence is indicated by dull- 
ness, loss of appetite and a greenish diarrhoea. It is ex- 
tremely contagious and generally fatal. A few cases are 
on record of its communication to man, a well-authenticated 
instance having been brought to the notice of the writer 
within the last few months. Little is to be done for the 
infected birds, and the most vigilant care in isolating freshly 
received specimens is the only safeguard against its intro- 
duction. 

Feather-plucking is hardly to be classed as a disease, but 



PETS 81 

it resembles the most serious of the list in its obstinacy. 
The habit may be formed in a variety of ways, faulty feed- 
ing and overcrowding being responsible in the majority 
of cases. It is most noticeable among pheasants and 
their allies, certain jay-thrushes and the smaller finches. 
These birds generally practise on the plumage of their 
neighbors, and the only remedy is to remove the chief 
offenders. 

Parrots, however, more frequently destroy their own 
feathers, some individuals carrying the practice so far as 
to denude themselves of almost every feather, excepting 
those on their heads. The habit is difiicult to eradicate, 
and only the most painstaking care can accomplish any 
good. Birds which have been fed meat, tea, coffee, candy, 
etc., are the most frecjuent offenders. A correction of 
the diet is the first step, and a few drops of fluid mag- 
nesia may be added to the water as an alterative. Spraying 
of the feathers with quassia has a deterrent effect in some 
cases. The bird should be given as much attention as pos- 
sible, and a companion secured for it, if possible. A piece 
of soft wood to play with may serve to divert its mind. If 
a cure is finally effected, the owner may consider himself 
fortunate, indeed, as such cases are few. 

Baldness is very prevalent among small birds, more par- 
ticularly canaries and waxbills. Many causes ma)- con- 
tribute to this condition, generally faulty molting in the 
case of canaries and frequently persistent plucking among 
the waxbills. The following treatment has been found very 
efficacious by the writer : Supply the invalid with plenty of 
green food, and see that its seed is of a nourishing char- 
acter; linseed is excellent in such cases. Cover a five-cent 
piece with Epsom salts, dissolve it in a cup of water, and 
fill the drinker with this solution daily for a week. Then 
discontinue and add, instead, ten or twelve drops of lemon 



82 PETS 

juice for a few days in succession. This course will very 
often induce a healthy renewal of the plumage. 

Egg-binding is a very frequent source of trouble. It may 
be caused by an over-fat condition of the bird, absence of 
shell-forming grit or, in the case of birds in unheated quar- 
ters, by a sudden cold snap. Removal to a warm cage and 
the anointing of the vent with warm olive oil will generally 
cause oviposition. If it does not, careful exposure of the 
vent to steam will almost certainly bring about relief, but 
the bird must be protected from scalding. 

Sore feet are a common complaint. Dirty or unsuitable 
perches will often bring about such a condition, but many 
birds, no matter how well cared for, are troubled as old age 
comes on. The feet should be washed carefully in warm 
water, well dried and anointed with vaseline or some simi- 
lar dressing. 

Scaly leg, which is prevalent among game birds, is much 
more difficult to treat. Many prefer heroic measures, such 
as dipping the feet in kerosene, and good results are not 
uncommon. Five parts of white vaseline to one part of 
caraway oil, as recommended by the Maine Agricultural 
Experiment Station, is the best remedy known to the writer. 
Its persistent application with a stiff toothbrush will eventu- 
ally reach and destroy the parasites which cause the incrus- 
tation. 

Lice are seldom present in a well-ordered collection, and 
if new birds are isolated for a time there will be little 
trouble. The habit of covering cages with cloths at night 
is an excellent means for breeding lice, which find a lodging 
in the folds of the cloth. When their presence is suspected 
the occupants of the cage should be removed and thoroughly 
dusted with Persian insect powder. The cage should be 
washed with hot water containing some disinfectant, such 
as creolin; or if this is not practicable, it should be sprayed 



PETS 83 

with one of the commercial insecticides. The perches 
should be wiped off with a rag dampened with kerosene 
oil. If this treatment is repeated once or twice, at intervals 
of a week, the pests will cease to trouble. 

Selecting Specimens 

In choosing birds many points are to be considered. A 
person of small experience who desires a bird simply for 
its song cannot do better than to decide on a Canary. Its 
needs are simple and little knowledge is required to meet 
them. If he is slightly more ambitious, one of the com- 
moner European finches — a Goldfinch, Linnet or Siskin — 
might be tried. They are the first step beyond the Canary. 
The Bullfinch is a delightful pet and easily kept if properly 
cared for. The small waxbills and grass finches have little 
song, and some are inclined to be delicate, but their beauty 
will compensate for the little trouble they make. 

The soft-billed birds entail somewhat more effort, but 
many are almost as hardy as the finches. The Red-billed 
Hill-tit (or "Japanese Robin"), the Shama Thrush, the 
Song Thrush and the European Blackbird all are easily 
kept, although the two latter are inclined to wildness unless 
thoroughly tamed. 

More ambitious collections should not be attempted until 
one has had some experience with a bird or two. If birds 
are to be grouped, the greatest care must be exercised in 
selecting the specimens to be kept together. The larger 
weavers, troupials, certain thrushes and all parrots and 
parrakeets are not to be trusted with smaller birds. Some 
birds are notorious murderers and these will be mentioned 
farther on. Ordinarily, experience must be the guide, for 
individuals of ordinarily quiet species are sometimes the 
worst offenders. It goes without saying that many birds 



84 PETS 

that will get on perfectly in a large aviary will fight to the 
death in close quarters. 

Some aviculturists have had a prejudice against associat- 
ing seed-eaters and soft-bills in a single aviary. It is true 
that in a small cage this may be dangerous, as finches will 
often eat soft food and become unbelievably fat. But in 
ample quarters this trouble is not so prevalent, and the mem- 
bers of a mixed collection may generally be relied upon to 
choose their own food. 

Most of the bird and animal importing trade of this coun- 
try, exclusive of game birds, is in the hands of two or three 
New York firms with German connections. It is a much 
more serious undertaking than might be supposed, a well- 
organized force of travelers, collectors and caretakers being 
necessary, and prohibiting the participation of smaller con- 
cerns. During good weather and under favorable condi- 
tions large shipments are received weekly. These arrivals, 
chief of which, of course, are canaries, are displayed at 
the establishments of the importers and then selected by 
the smaller retail dealers. The prices at which these birds 
are sold are fairly uniform and well established, but those 
asked by the retailers who distribute them to the public 
are extremely variable. For instance, piping Bullfinches 
are wholesaled uniformly at $15 each and usually are 
bought by dealers simply on the word of the wholesaler, as 
these birds generally will not perform until they feel at 
home. After each has displayed his own particular degree 
of proficiency, the price is set at from $25 for the bird that 
knows but a single tune to as much as $200 for one which 
can deliver three or more. The higher prices, of course, 
are what might be termed " fancy " and few care to pay 
them. The tyro should be on his guard, and should never 
pay what seems an exorbitant price until he has assured 
himself that he is not being- fleeced. 



PETS 85 

No bird should be purchased unless it seems to be in 
good condition. A few feathers missing or a slightly be- 
draggled appearance is of small moment, as if the bird is 
really in good health these defects are soon remedied. A 
thin, dull-eyed bird, no matter how fine its plumage, should 
never be taken. 

The determination of sex in some species is difficult. In 
many, of course, the male and female differ entirely in 
color, and in such cases any reliable dealer will assist the 
novice in making selections. In others there may be some 
insignificant distinguishing mark, and some are easily known 
by size. A few% however, are to be known only by the size 
and shape of the head and beak, an excellent character 
for making sure of the sex of difficult species. 

All newly purchased birds, no matter how healthy they 
may appear, should be isolated for a period ranging from 
a week to a month or more, until it is certain that they 
are free from disease and well accustomed to the feeding 
regime. Fresh birds, turned into a mixed collection without 
an opportunity to rest and become familiar with new foods, 
are very likely to perish miserably before getting properly 
oriented. Every aviary or bird room should have its regular 
quarantine room, where arrivals may be received and pre- 
pared for introduction to the collection. 



CHAPTER VI 

PHEASANTS 

The birds of this order (Galliformes) are of the greatest 
value to man, from an economic point of view. The domes- 
tic fowl, the guinea-fowl, the turkey, the pheasants and pea- 
fowl, the grouse, quail and partridges, all are included. 
Each holds an important place in our economy, and farmer, 
gourmand and sportsman are indebted to them for much. 
Many of the groups are pre-eminent as pets, or at least for 
ornamental purposes, while others, such as the grouse, do 
not thrive in captivity, except under special conditions. 
Only the hardier families will be considered here. 

Pheasants 

Pheasants * are known to every one — to milady, perhaps, 
by the drooping tail feathers with which she was once wont 
to adorn her hat ; to the sportsman and farmer as the 
splendid game birds which are increasing so rapidly in our 
depleted coverts. In spite of this widespread general ac- 
quaintance, however, it is remarkable that comparatively 
few people are aware of the fact that there are nearly one 
hundred species of pheasants, most of which thrive in cap- 
tivity with but little more attention than is required for 
domestic fowls. Even among many of those to whom some 
knowledge of these birds has brought the realization that 
there are other pheasants than the Ring-neck the idea is 

* Reprinted in part from an article by the author, published in The 
Field Illustrated, August 2, 1913. By permission of the Advanced 
Agricultural Pub. Co., Inc. 

86 



PETS 87 

prevalent that they are unduly delicate and difficult to keep 
in confinement. It is the writer's hope that the following 
pages may serve in some degree to dispel this fallacy. 

In the care of pheasants in captivity, it is first necessary 
to note that there are two distinct methods of treatment. 
One of these, the rearing of game pheasants for stocking- 
purposes, and also of certain of the more common of the 
so-called fancy species, is beginning to be pursued on a large 
scale in this country. This system requires almost unlimited 
space, which is the basis on which rests all hope of success in 
producing large numbers of any game bird. It is a subject 
of great interest and is now receiving the earnest attention 
of many able men. 

On the other hand, the very fact of its bigness excludes 
it from the field of this work. The bird-lover who keeps 
a pair of pheasants, or even a series of the more attractive 
species, cannot be entirely guided by the methods of game 
farmers on a large scale. His field forms another branch of 
aviculture, and to an attempt to aid him in this more in- 
tensive system the writer will confine himself. 



Housing and Feeding 

With a very few exceptions, the pheasants are extremely 
hardy and require no housing beyond shelter from the 
cold winds of winter and the beating sun of the summer 
months. For the first purpose, a low, simple shed, pref- 
erably of southern exposure and provided with suitable 
perches, is quite sufficient. So long as the biting wind 
and, more especially, dampness are carefully excluded, 
no artificial heat is required, for these birds are able to 
endure very low temperatures without discomfort. 

A large, well-drained run should be provided, well fur- 
nished with shrubs and bushes, a grassy portion being 




Coattesu Advanced Agricultural Publishing Co. 

Brown Eared Pheasant 




Silver Pheasant 



PETS 89 

reserved to provide green food for the inmates. The top 
must be covered, of course, for pheasants are strong fliers 
and it is best not to cHp their wings if propagation is de- 
sired. Care must be taken not to alarm the 1)irds, especially 
at night, for they are exceedingly nervous and are apt to 
dart upward, only to wound themselves severely against the 
netting at the top of their aviary. For this reason, it is far 
safer to stretch a twine net about a foot below the wire, thus 
saving the pheasants from possibility of injury. 

The staple food of the adults should consist of the best 
of grain : wheat, buckwheat, barlc}-, kaftir corn and a very 
little cracked corn. It may be noted, at this point, that 
Indian corn, doubtless because of its cheapness, is a staple 
food in this country. For generations farmers have used it 
for their poultry with apparent success, and the keepers of 
more delicate birds have very naturally adopted it. There 
can be no doubt that for sensitive species' in confinement, 
unless very carefully handled, it is a pernicious article of 
diet. Its constant and unlimited use leads to the accumula- 
tion of unhealthy fat, and to enlarged livers, than which 
there can be no greater evil. Birds on free range, and even 
those more restricted, during the winter months, may endure 
or even benefit by a certain amount of this food, but its 
dangerous tendencies should be borne in mind when a feed- 
ing system is being devised. 

Breeding 

During the laying season, and just before it, the birds 
may have a mash composed of one of the numerous pheas- 
ant meals advertised, mixed with fine alfalfa meal and a 
small quantity of crissel cr meat scrap. The whole mass 
should be dampened with scalding water ; ufiicient to make 
it crumblv. Unless insects are abundant, chopped cooked 



90 , P E T S - 

meat she. iven two or three times weekly throughout 

the year. 'ood must be supplied regularly. Chick- 

weed, whii .d universally, is the best for this pur- 

pose, but le - efficient substitute. If grass is given, 

it must be » ^^ped into very short lengths, as long blades 
are likely to )rm an impaction after being swallowed. Of 
course, if the run is well grassed, this item may be omitted 
during the summer. Grit is essential, and the drinking 
water must be fresh and protected from the direct rays of 
the sun. 

Each species must be kept in a separate run, as the males 
are fierce fir' ji s when confined together, at least when 
females are present. A number of males of the less pug- 
nacious species will live together in perfect harmony, but 
if hens are introduced during the mating season disaster 
is certain to follow. The birds are generally sold in pairs, 
but with many species it is safer to secure at least two 
females, as the males are very keen on persecuting their 
mates, often pursuing them viciously, and if more hens 
than one are present these ntions are likely to be divided. 
For the same reason, cock and hen should neve* be confined 
together in a small space. During ship- each bird 

should be placed in a s te compart. , the top of 

which has been carefully padded. Although in the wild 
state, it is probable that most of the pheasants are monog- 
amous, in the case of the true pheasants of the Ring-neck 
group, and also the Golden and the Lady Amherst, the 
cocks will mate with from two to four hens. With most 
other species, including even the Silver, while several ht . 
may be run with the cock, it will generally be found that 
but one will lay fertile eggs, although, of course, exceptions 
will occur. 

Most of the pheasants lay between late March and the 
middle of June, the exact dates varying with species, indi- 



PETS 91 

viduals and climate. If plenty of low bust provided, 

'le nest will generally be made in thei Often, 

however, the eggs will be deposited p) isly about 

the run and must be picked up at once, . birds are 

onfirmed egg-eaters. If the female will incu e, she can- 
not be excelled for rearing the young, but in n ;st cases she 
refuses to perform this function. It is custornaiy, therefore, 
to remove the eggs and place them under a domestic hen. 
For this purpose a small bird should l)e chosen, preferably 
a Silkie, or a gentle bantam, as large hens will crush the 
fragile shells and trample under foot the tiny chicks. 

There is a very considerable difference in ^ incubation 
periods of pheasants, and this fact must be considered when 
mixed clutches are being set. Moreover, some variation in 
a single species is to be expected, broods of chicks of the 
same sort sometimes requiring two or three days to com- 
plete hatching. The following list gives the approximate 
time required : 

Golden .... 21 to 22 days 

Lady Amherst 22 to 23 days 

Ring "k, Formosan, Japanese, etc 22 to 24 days 

^^,^v^ 24 to 25 days 

ti-lliot 

Silver 

^^I'j, \. 25 to 26 days 

bwinhoe [ 

Fireback J 

Tragopans \ ; 27 to 28 days 

Impeyan \ 

Eared 28 to 30 days 

'hen the chicks have hatched they may be placed with 
the hen in a small coop, just as domestic chicks are, with 
the exception that a small covered run of fine-meshed wire 
should be placed around it. This should be about two feet 
square for the first few days, for young pheasants are very 
wild and must become accustomed to the call notes of the 



9? PETS 

foster-mother before they are to be trusted in a larger en- 
closure. It is an advantage, during this period, to place 
boards at the sides of the runs. If the chicks cannot see be- 
yond their little world, they have less desire to wander and 
soon become accustomed to confinement. 

If the birds are of the more valuable species, it is best to 
keep them always in a covered run, where their possible 
escape may be prevented. This is entirely against the pre- 
cepts of the modern game farmers, many of whom go so 
far as to say that pheasants cannot be reared in small quar- 
ters. This statement is not entirely true, for pheasants are 
reared yearly in the New York Zoological Park, under the 
supervision of the writer, in the most cramped runs imagin- 
able. The losses are almost nil, and stronger, healthier 
birds could not be reared in a ten-acre field. The important 
point with this method is that the runs must be portable, 
so that they may be removed frequently to fresh ground. 
If this rule be given faithful attention, and perfect cleanli- 
ness maintained, there is no reason why the backyard 
farmer should not be just as successful on a small scale as 
the game breeder who operates more extensively. 

Pheasant chicks have many enemies and protection from 
them must be carefully looked after. Cats are the worst of 
these, but are excluded by the wire, as are hawks and crows. 
Rats come next, and are best guarded against by fastening 
the chicks in the coop at night, a practice which is perfectly 
feasible when only a few broods are being reared in movable 
runs. If the birds are kept in permanent quarters, rats may 
be guarded against by having the mesh of the wire so small 
as to prevent their passage, and sinking it in the ground 
for eighteen inches, with an outward twist at the bottom. 

The food of the young birds is more largely of an animal 
nature than that of young domestic chicks. The base may 
consist of any good pheasant meal, of which a number of 



PETS 93 

sorts are on the market. With this may be chopped boiled 
egg, fine crissel or meat meal and finely minced green food, 
such as chickweed, lettuce, watercress or chives. If none of 
these is available, fine alfalfa meal may be substituted. The 
whole mass should be dampened with scalding water until it 
will just hold together when squeezed in the hand. Insect 
food is very necessary for the more delicate species, and 
is supplied in the form of ants' cocoons, commonly known as 
" eggs," and maggots which have been cleaned in dry meal or 
sand for at least forty-eight hours. Recently there has been 
an outcry against the use of maggots for young pheasants, 
chiefly on the grounds that their production is offensive and 
that they are not essential to the growth of the chicks. This 
is no doubt true for pheasants on range, which are able to 
secure all the insect food they require But birds reared 
in confinement have no such opportunities and insect food 
of some sort must be provided. If maggots are reared in 
clean meat, carefully cleaned in bran for forty-eight hours, 
and scalded before being fed, there is no doubt that their 
moderate use is of the greatest assistance in rearing the 
young birds. On the other hand, maggots that have not been 
properly cleaned are dangerous, and may very probably 
prove fatal to the chicks which eat them. 

When the chicks are about six weeks old, a few small 
grains, such as millet and canary seed, may be added gradu- 
ally to their diet and slowly increased until the young birds, 
fully fledged, are fed practically as are the adults. The 
chicks should be fed, at first, at intervals of from two to 
three hours, all food uneaten being removed as soon as the 
birds stop feeding. The periods are lengthened slowly until 
grain fed twice daily is found quite sufficient. 

Shade is very essential to the young birds and is best pro- 
vided in the form of natural shrubbery. If this is not avail- 
able, small A-shaped shelters may be made of boards or 



94 PETS 

burlap tents erected wherever convenient. The water must 
be fresh and always in the shade. This point is of great 
importance, and to its neglect may be traced many of the 
troubles of pheasant breeders. Many English game-keepers 
give their chicks no water at all, from their belief that its use 
would be fatal. This doubtful practice probably originated 
from unhappy experiences with sun-heated water, and is 
evidence of the necessity for avoiding such a condition. In 
any case, the water should be changed at frequent intervals, 
and if it is not certain that the receptacle will remain shaded, 
it is safer to remove it after the chicks have drunk. 



The Species of Pheasants 

The pheasant family (Phasianid^) is a very large one, 
including the Old World quail and partridges, the pheasants 
proper, the peafowl and the jungle fowl, from which our 
domestic birds are derived. Although the distinction is 
purely arbitrary, only those birds which are commonly 
known as pheasants will be treated here. 

About ninety species of pheasants have been described, 
some thirty of which are more or less common in captivity; 
most of these are generally to be seen in the New York 
Zoological Park. Many are to be obtained at comparatively 
low prices, ranging from six dollars per pair for the Eng- 
lish Ring-neck to fifty dollars each for the Impeyan. 

The best birds for the novice are those of the Ring-neck 
group (Phasianus), which includes about twenty forms. 
Most common of all pheasants in captivity is the English 
Ring-neck, the bird which has been used so extensively in 
game propagation work in the eastern United States. These 
pheasants are hybrids between the so-called English or 
Black-necked Pheasant (P. colchicus), which was 
brought from Asia Minor at a very early date and preserved 



PETS 95 

on European estates, and the Chinese Ring-neck (P. 
torquatus), introduced within comparatively recent times. 
These two have interbred so freely in game preserves as 
to eliminate completely pure-blooded birds of both forms. 
The pure English Pheasant, the male of which is character- 
ized by maroon rump and the black neck lacking a white 
collar, is now exceedingly rare, even in its eastern habitat. 

The Chinese Ring-neck, commonly confused with the very 
distinct Mongolian, is still abundant in China, and is fre- 
quently seen in captivity. In color it is lighter than the 
English Ring-neck and the white collar is usually much 
wider. This species has been introduced with great success 
in the Pacific states and has proven hardier than the hybrid. 

The male Mongolian Pheasant (P. mongoUcus) is 
very dark in general coloration, somewhat resembling the 
English Pheasant, except that it has a white collar and white 
wing coverts. The female, on the contrary, is very pale, 
but is readily distinguished by her white eyes. 

A rather uncommon bird is the Formosan Pheasant 
(P. formosanus), found only on the island from which 
it takes its name. This bird resembles the Chinese Ring- 
neck in general coloration but is still paler. 

The smallest species of the group is the Japanese or 
Versicolor Pheasant (P. versicolor). The general tone 
of the upper portion of the plumage is light slate, the entire 
breast being a brilliant green. The hen is much the darkest 
of the group. The Japanese Pheasant has been tried on 
English preserves, where it has crossed freely with the 
already mongrel stock. 

The only other pheasant found in Japan is the Soem- 
mering or Copper Pheasant (P. socmmeringii) , which 
has been divided into three subforms, depending upon the 
amount of white in the lower back. This handsome bird is 
very uncommon in captivity, and generally commands a 



96 PETS 

rather high price. Usually it is wild and intractable, but 
docile specimens are sometimes seen. It is of a different 
type of coloration from the other species of Phasianus, the 
feathers of the male being of a reddish cast, those of the 
upper parts being bordered with a brilliant band of copper 
and white. 

With the exception of the last named, the pheasants of 
the genus Phasianus interbreed promiscuously, and the ama- 
teur is not always certain as to the derivation of birds fur- 
nished by dealers. Most of the pheasants offered for sale 
in America are bred in captivity, often by men who them- 
selves are not entirely sure of the purity of their breeding 
stock. Therefore, the greatest care should be taken to in- 
vestigate the origin of newly purchased birds, to avoid the 
possibility of producing a flock of undesirable hybrids. 

By early systematists, the Reeves Pheasant was in- 
cluded in the Ring-neck group, but later authors have given 
it a new name, Syrmaticus reevesi. The cock is a rather 
large bird, its general color being gold laced with black. 
Its tail, however, is its most remarkable feature. This ap- 
pendage grows to a great length, often reaching more than 
five feet. For this reason, roomy quarters are required to 
keep it in good condition. This species crosses readily with 
the Ring-neck and produces most handsome hybrids, which 
seem invariably sterile. The Reeves has been tried on Eng- 
lish shooting preserves, where it is much prized for its 
superb rocketing powers. Unfortunately, it is so pug- 
nacious in habit that it will not live amicably with the more 
docile Ring-necks, and this fact, with the sterility of the 
hybrids, has much reduced its former popularity in this 
respect. 

The Golden {Chrysolophiis pictus) and the Lady Am- 
herst Pheasants (C amhersticc) are among the most 
brilliant of known pheasants. The Golden is the more 



PETS 97 

gorgeous, the cock being characterized by bright yellow 
crest, flowing orange and black cape, green back and yellow 
rump, set off with a breast of dazzling red. He is an active 
bird, constantly spreading his scintillating ruff in display 
as he darts about. Unfortunately, it is next to impossible 
to secure birds without an infusion of Amherst blood, so 
readily do the species cross. The females are particularly 
confusing, even the pure ones being much alike. The legs 
of the Amherst, however, are dark greenish, while those 
of the Golden are yellow, and the eyes of the former are 
surrounded by a bare patch which is almost entirely absent 
in the Golden. 

The Lady Amherst cock is somewhat larger than the 
Golden, with a much longer tail, and his coloring, while 
of the same general pattern, is more subdued in tone. Most 
of the upper parts are metallic green edged with black. The 
crest is dark red, the spreading cape white tipped with black 
and the lower back pale yellow. The upper breast is green 
also, while the abdomen is white. Lady Amherst and 
Golden males do not assume the full adult plumage until the 
second summer. 

The male hybrids between these two birds are most gor- 
geous creatures, showing every possible combination of the 
colors of the parent species. They are quite fertile and all 
degrees of blood may be obtained. 

Both of these species are desirable aviary birds and 
become very tame and confiding, and. in spite of their active 
habits, endure close confinement perhaps better than any 
other pheasants. The Goldens are particularly docile. Both 
are hardy and easily kept. Next to the Ring-neck, the 
Golden is the most common pheasant in captivity and is to be 
obtained at a comparatively low price. The Amherst, for 
some reason, is never so abundant, and its value is con- 
siderably greater. 



98 PETS 

The Silver and Kalij Pheasants form a genus (GenncEus) 
which includes a large number of handsome birds, many 
of them so closely allied as to make their identity difficult 
for the novice to determine. Of these birds, the most 
abundant in confinement is the Silver (G. nycthemerus). 
After the Ring-neck and the Golden, this is the species most 
commonly seen in collections. The cock is a conspicuous 
bird, snowy white above, with black vermiculations and the 
crest and lower parts glossy blue-black. It breeds freely, 
the chicks are easily reared, and altogether it is a most satis- 
factory bird. Individuals often become exceedingly tame 
and may be allowed to run about the grounds. Unlike some 
smaller species, they are quite able to defend themselves 
against prowling cats, and no danger is to be apprehended 
from, this source. 

Closely allied to the Silver is the Lineated Pheasant 
{G. lineatus). It is an uncommon bird, but occasionally to 
be had from dealers. It differs from the Silver in its 
somewhat smaller size, and in the relation of dark and light 
vermiculations in the upper parts, the result making it a 
much darker bird than its relative. 

The Kalij Pheasant cocks are black in general coloration, 
the species being differentiated by the distribution of white 
markings. The hens are all very much alike and only dis- 
tinguishable by careful comparison. 

The most common is the Black-crested Kalij (G. leu- 
comelamis) . The male is black throughout, the feathers of 
the lower back broadly tipped with white and those of the 
breast tinged with ashy. This pheasant is commonly sold 
as " Melanotus." 

The Melanotus or Black-backed Kalij (G. melano- 
tus) is a much rarer bird and lacks the white tips on the 
back. These two species are very commonly confused and 
much interbred, so that pure birds are difficult to obtain. 




Indian Peahen and Chick 




Photograph by Barbara Baron 

White Peacock Displaying 
(Property of Mr. Kenyon V. Painter) 



100 P F T 

The handsomest of the ' "s is the White-crested 
(G. albocrisfatus). The ci t of the cock is very long and 
flowing, and pure white in color. He possesses, also, the 
white-tipped back and ashy breast. This is an uncommon 
bird, very seldom seen in collections. 

Horsfield's or the Black-breasted Kalij (G. Jiors- 
fieldi) is the darkest in co-or, and probably the rarest of 
those which have reached civilization alive. The cock is 
glossy blue-black, the only white markings being those of 
the lower back. 

The Swinhoe Pheasant (G. szvinhoei) seems to fall in 
this group, but is quite distinct from its congeners. It is 
not rare in confinement and is a most brilliant and 
pleasing bird. The general color of the cock is a metallic 
blackish-blue, with white crest and central tail feathers. 
The upper back is white also, with a bright patch of ma- 
roon at each side. The hen is mottled black and buff 
with bare, red face, and is easily distinguished from all 
others. 

The Elliot Pheasant (Calophasis ellioti) is a Chinese 
species, which is always obtainable from dealers. The cock 
is strikingly marked, the general coloration being rich, 
golden-brown, set off by white underparts and wing b"^*" 
and grayish-white neck. This bird does not seem as h 
as most others and is rather difficult to acclimatize, but on-v,v. 
established is as long-lived as any. 

Curious little birds with superficial resemblances to the 
peacock are the Peacock Pheasants (Polyplectron). Al- 
though six species are known, but two have ever reached 
America alive, and only one of these, the Common (P. chin- 
quis), is usually to be had. The cock and hen are much 
alike, dark grayish in color, the feathers of the lower back, 
wing coverts and tail being ornamented with round ocelli or 
" eyes." In the male these eyes are a brilliant green, but in 



^ T S 101 

the hen they are simply dar ^ts without iridescence. This 
is a rare species, but very .^i lived once it is well estab- 
lished. It is much more difficult to breed than some others, 
but success has been attained by at least one American avicul- 
turist. The normal clutch consists of two eggs, but these 
are usually followed, after a short interval, by a second 
pair. 

The only pheasants in which the plumage of the male does 
not differ from that of the female are the Eared Pheasants 
(Crossoptilon). But one species of this genus, the Brown 
Eared Pheasant (C. manchuricmn) , has ever been alive 
in private hands. Both sexes are dark brown in color, with 
flowing white ear-tufts, the arched tail whitish tipped with 
black. Male and female may be distinguished by the spurs 
of the former. This species is generally to be obtained 
from dealers, but of late years it has become rather uncom- 
mon. Although the Manchurian is of a most quiet disposi- 
tion and thrives well in captivity, it is a difficult species to 
breed. A curious characteristic of birds of this species is 
a tendency to nibble at the tail feathers of their mates. A 
pair of birds kept in close confinement, without the variety 
offered by more free range, almost invariably develop this 
'":ibit, which adds nothing to their good appearance. 

he Fire-back Pheasants are a compact group of eight 
^ ccies, found only in the Malay Peninsula and neighboring 
islands. As is indicated by their habitat, these birds require 
artificial heat if they are to do well during the winter. 
Moreover, all are high-priced and rare, so that, although 
of great beauty, they are not suitable birds for the novice. 
The most common species is the Siamese Fire-back {Diar- 
d{ gall lis diardi), followed by the Bornean and Vieillot's 
Fire-backs (Lophura). 

The Tragopans (Trogopan) are a group of pheasants 
distinguishable at a glance from the others. They have no 



102 PETS 

ornamental plumage developments, even the tail being short 
and rounded. The face is bare and highly colored in the 
males of most of the species, and all have fleshy horns and 
a brilliant dewlap, which are exposed only during display 
before the female. The general color of the males is red or 
brown, interspersed with spots and mottlings of various 
shades, and reticulated with black. The females are all 
very much alike and difficult to distinguish. 

There are five species of Tragopans, three of which are 
not uncommon m captivity, although the price asked is al- 
ways high. These are Cabot, Temminck, and Satyr or 
Crimson, relatively abundant in the order named. Blyth's 
and Black-headed Tragopans are seen very rarely, the latter 
never having been brought alive to America. 

All of these birds live well in confinement, requiring no 
artificial heat. They are largely fruit- and plant-eaters, and 
their diet in captivity should include soft fruits and berries, 
plenty of green food and occasional meals of boiled rice. 
They also differ from other pheasants in their selection of a 
site for the nest, which usually is built upon a deserted 
bird's nest, at some distance from the ground. 

The male Impeyan Pheasant (Lophophorus impe- 
yanus) is among the most wonderfully colored of living 
birds. The surface of the upper body feathers is provided 
with microscopical prisms, which reflect the light in a flood 
of iridescence that is difficult to describe. The head and 
spatulate crest are green, the neck bronze and the rest of 
the upper surface purple, with the exception of a white 
patch on the lower back, hidden by the folded wings. All 
of these colors have the brilliance of molten metal, scin- 
tillating with every movement of the bird. The hen is 
clothed modestly in mottled brown and black. 

Impeyans are hardy birds and easily catered for, but 
although generally to be obtained they are always expen- 



PETS 103 

sive. They are very quiet, but, like the Manchurian, diffi- 
cult to breed, although young have been hatched repeatedly 
in this country and occasionally reared. The beak is strong 
and powerful and in constant use for digging in the soil of 
the enclosure. 



CHAPTER VII 

PEAFOWL, GUINEA-FOWL AND QUAIL 

Peafowl 

The peafowl belong to the same family (Phasianid^) as 
the pheasants, from which they differ in no important char- 
acters. Their most striking feature is the long train, which, 
by the way, is formed by the upper tail coverts and not by 
the tail proper. 

There are two species, the most common of which is the 
Indian Peafowl (Pavo cristatus). This bird is a native 
of India and Ceylon. Although accustomed to a tropical 
climate, its hardiness is truly remarkable, for no degree of 
cold seems to affect it. The writer has repeatedly seen 
birds, after a frosty night spent on a lofty bough, shake 
the heavy snow from their backs and scale smoothly to the 
ground, with as little concern as though the scene were the 
forests of Ceylon, 

Little provision, then, is necessary for the housing of pea- 
fowl. If they must be kept confined, the run should be as 
large as possible and well grassed, for these birds will not 
thrive in small quarters. Under such circumstances, it is 
better to have a shelter of some sort to cover the bird's 
roosting-place. 

Peafowl are much better at liberty, and if possible should 
be allowed to enjoy it. If kept confined for a few days in 
a wire pen, a newly acquired pair may be let go, with rea- 
sonable assurance that they will not stray. Some individ- 
uals, however, are peculiarly persistent in this respect, and 
it may be necessary to let only the cock go at first, keep- 

104 



PETS 105 

ing the hen where he can see her, until he is satisfied with 
his surroundings. 

Dogs are the worst enemies of peafowl at large, and 
strange as it may seem they have little difficulty in approach- 
ing the birds. Stray dogs should be kept from grounds in 
which peafowl are at liberty. 

The loftiest bough or ridge-pole is not too high for these 
birds of Pan, and some such location will form the nightly 
perch. The peacock is very prone to the utterance of loud 
and unearthly shrieks, particularly at night, and for that 
reason should be encouraged to roost as far as possible from 
dvVellings. 

The feeding described for pheasants is equally suitable 
for peafowl. A mixture of sound grains is the chief item, 
supplemented by occasional feeds of game food or mash. 
Chopped vegetables and abundant green food must be fur- 
nished when grass is not accessible to the birds. Table 
scraps are not suitable for any birds, with the possible ex- 
ception of barnyard chickens. 

The peafowl is polygamous and one cock may be kept 
with two or three hens. The birds do equally well in larger 
flocks, including several males, if there is room enough 
for the weaker birds to avoid the more pugnacious indi- 
viduals. The battles of peacocks are seldom sanguinary or 
of long duration, but the victor will cruelly persecute the 
vanquished if he has no means of escape. Peacocks must 
not be allowed access to poultry yards, for some are mur- 
derously inclined, and will play havoc among young chicks. 

Peahens usually lay in the early summer, the clutch 
varying from two eggs to six. Females do not breed until 
two years old. The period of incubation is about twenty- 
eight days. It is by far the best to let the mother rear her 
own brood. Domestic hens will not range far enough to 
allow the chicks to find the great number of insects they 



106 PETS 

require, and will cease to hover them when they are a few 
weeks old. Peachicks require the mother's warmth much 
longer than domestic chicks, and only the peahen is willing 
to provide it. If a substitute must be found, a quiet turkey 
is the most suitable. 

The hen and chicks should be allowed full liberty, con- 
finement being fatal. They may be tried with the foods 
recommended for young pheasants, but it will be found that 
insects they find for themselves attract them much more 
strongly than meal. 

The wings of peachicks are well developed when they 
leave the shell and they are very soon able to fly. They 
feather rapidly and the cocks may soon be distinguished 
from the hens by their larger size, longer crests and bluer 
necks. An advance toward the wonderful adornment of 
the adult male is made in each successive year, but it is not 
until the bird is three years old that the full plumage is at- 
tained. The young female shows little change, although the 
neck becomes somewhat greener. The feathers of the train 
are dropped late in June or early in July, and although their 
renewal commences at once, the growth is not complete 
until December or January. 

Several variations from the normal plumage of the Indian 
Peafowl have been established. The most attractive is the 
White, and when clean and in good condition no bird is 
more beautiful. It requires ample space, however, to keep 
itself presentable, and even under the best of conditions is 
very likely to be more or less soiled. White Peafowl, like 
all albinos, breed true when mated together, but the young 
are not so easily reared as are those of colored birds. 

The Pied Peafowl is easily produced by crossing white 
and colored specimens. The most usual pattern is normal 
body and train, with white wings and particolored heads 
and neck.' The females are frequently nearly white. 



PETS 107 

The Black-winged or Japan Peafowl is now well 
known to represent a mutation from the common stock and 
not a distinct species. The cock differs from the t3'pical 
bird in having the wing coverts iridescent black, instead of 
barred with white. The chicks are white when hatched. 
The cocks gradually become colored, but the females re- 
main mostly white. 

The Javan or Green Peafowl {Pavo miificiis) is found 
in Burma, the Malay Peninsula and Java. In most re- 
spects it closely resembles the Indian Peafowl, but is easily 
distinguished by the green, scaled feathers of the neck, black 
wings and long, constricted crest, as contrasted with the 
fan-shaped ornament of its congener. The hen equals her 
lord in beauty, but lacks the train. Hens of this species are 
curiously rare, two cocks all too frequently being sold for 
a pair. 

This bird is less hardy than the Indian species, and can- 
not endure our winters without shelter. Otherwise its treat- 
ment does not differ from that of the common bird. 

The cocks are uniformly pugnacious, and may become 
really dangerous. 

Hybrids between the two species are not uncommon and 
usually share the characters of each parent. 



CHAPTER VIII 

WATER-FOWL 

After the gallinaceous birds the water-fowl are next in 
economic importance. Over their more prolific rivals they 
have the advantage of extreme hardiness and general free- 
dom from sickness. Both ducks and geese have long been 
thoroughly domesticated, as is evidenced by the many well- 
differentiated breeds. Swans, too, have become well ac- 
customed to captivity, but have shown no tendency to varia- 
tion. Only the wild species will be considered here. 

In common with other game birds, the water-fowl now 
are receiving a large share of the attention of the propa- 
gator. Much has been learned concerning their care and 
management, but the problem of breeding many species is 
still unsolved. This being the case, the amateur has an 
extra incentive, for he is as likely to reach the solution as is 
the worker on a larger scale. 

As in pheasant-keeping, water-fowl culture is divided into 
two groups. While the treatment of the birds in large 
preserves is essentially the same as that practised by the 
Veriest amateur, the details necessarily vary. We shall con- 
fine ourselves here to the management of the smaller enter- 
prise. 

Of the water-fowl (Anseriformes), there are about two 
hundred and seventy-five species, which may be divided 
roughly into the ducks, geese and swans. Practically all of 
the forms may be kept in captivity with a considerable degree 
of success. Most are perfectly hardy, but a few, such as 
the Tree Ducks, require warmth in winter. 

108 



PETS 109 

Wild Ducks 

When the hardiness, simple wants and surpassing beauty 
of many ducks are considered, one is not surprised at their 
increasing popularity, but rather that their keeping has not 
become more general. 

For most species water is a necessity. The pond need 
not necessarily be large, but it is of the greatest importance 
that the water be fresh and clean. If a running stream 
or natural pond is available, only some slight adapta- 
tion is necessary. If neither is to be had, the construc- 
tion of a small, concrete pool is a matter of no great 
difficulty. 

At any rate, means for securing a constant supply of 
water must be secured, and if it is possible to arrange for 
complete drainage of the pond, so much the better. It is a 
great advantage to be able to remove all of the water on 
occasion. 

If the sides of the pool are of soil, it w'ill be necessary 
to build them up firmly with stone and gravel. Ducks have 
a habit of working at the banks with their beaks, and their 
feet also rapidly wear down the soil as they enter or leave 
the water. 

The planting of various edible aquatic plants, such as wild 
celery {ValUsncria) , wild rice (Zizania), etc., is desirable, 
but not practicable in a small pond, as they will be destroyed 
quickly by the ducks. In large bodies of water, on which 
a small number of birds are quartered, such cultivation is 
perfectly possible. 

The pond and as much adjoining land as is available 
should be surrounded by a wire fence. A three-foot fence 
will restrain most pinioned water-fowl, but a greater height 
is recommended to exclude dogs, foxes, etc. If attacks of 
rats, cats and other marauders are feared, precautions in 



110 PETS 

fence-building should be taken, as recommended in the chap- 
ter on pheasants. 

The enclosure should support a good supply of grass and 
a portion, at least, must be thickly planted with hardy 
shrubs. Rhododendrons, mountain laurels, willows, etc., 
are excellent. Bottomless boxes, with holes large enough to 
admit a duck, may be placed here and there on the ground 
in the shrubbery, for it is here that the birds will choose to 
lay their eggs. Most ducks, however, will make their nests 
in the shelter of the leaves, rather than in boxes. 

For Wood and Mandarin Ducks, which in the wild state 
lay their eggs in hollow trees or in similar positions, special 
nests are best. In the New York Zoological Park, we have 
had excellent results with boxes placed about three feet 
above the water, a few feet from the shore. These boxes 
are about eighteen inches in each dimension, with a hole 
four inches in diameter, which is large enough to admit a 
Wood Duck, but not an intrusive Mallard. It is necessary 
to provide a runway for the bird and nesting material of 
some sort, as of course the duck will not carry any. 

At the latitude and altitude of New York City, the hardier 
ducks do not require shelter in winter. During very severe 
weather, it may sometimes be necessary to erect a windbreak 
of straw or brush, attached to a wooden frame. It is very 
difficult to persuade water-fowl to enter a covered building 
or shelter. In localities where the cold becomes extreme, 
protection of some sort may be needed, and is best pro- 
vided by means of low brush fences, floored with leaves or 
straw. Constant feeding will accustom the birds to the 
place, and soon they will learn to use it regularly. If the 
pond is small, or the birds can be withdrawn into a smaller 
portion, it is not difficult to drive them into an unheated 
shed, where the nights can be passed. But it should be 
borne in mind that any driving of diving ducks when the 



PETS Hi 

pond is frozen over is fraught with danger, as the birds 
may dive under the ice and fail to reappear. 

The usual grains — wheat, barley, kaffir corn, etc. — form 
the staple food of adult ducks. Cracked corn is much used 
in America, and it must be admitted that this grain does 
not seem to exercise the adverse effect on ducks that it does 
on most other birds. Many breeders give their birds occa- 
sional mashes of duck meal. Spratt's Patent Game Food, 
dry, thrown on the water two or three times weekly, will 
be found to benefit the birds. Dry bread crusts are always 
relished. Green food is very necessary, all of the usual 
kinds being eaten greedily. Ducks are especially fond of 
water hyacinth, duckweed and watercress. Fresh grass, cut 
in short lengths, and thrown in small cjuantities into the 
water, is excellent. 

The above items will be found sufficient for surface- 
feeding species. The diving ducks, such as Canvasbacks, 
Scaup, etc., are no more difficult to keep in health, once 
they have become accustomed to captivity. When first re- 
ceived from the trapper, it is necessary to confine such birds 
in small, dry quarters, well secluded, until they are feeding 
satisfactorily. When finally well on grain, they will thrive 
in common with the other birds, but will benefit by a bit 
of chopped fish or a few minnows, once or twice weekly. 

Unless a covered aviary is provided, or there are unusual 
facilities for catching the birds easily at intervals and 
clipping their wings, it is best to pinion them permanently. 
The operation is easily performed. A point just beyond 
the bastard wing or thumb should be selected. One or two 
of the primaries should be drawn and a tight ligature of 
stout, uncolored twine applied. The bone is then severed 
with a pair of strong pruning-shears. If the tie has been 
properly made, there will be no blood. If the weather is 
warm, an antiseptic powder may be applied, but if the birds 



112 PETS 

are returned at once to the water this generally is not 
necessary. The birds need not be caught again, as the twine 
will slough ofif as the wing heals. 

Most water-fowl breed early, in April or May, or even in 
March if the season is moderate. At this time the greatest 
care must be taken to avoid disturbance of the birds. Espe- 
cially quarrelsome sorts, such as Egyptian Geese and Shel- 
drakes, should be watched and prevented from persecuting 
or even killing their companions. Most species are monog- 
amous, and follow their instincts closely. The Mallard is 
a notable exception, one drake to two or three ducks being 
a suitable proportion to insure the best results. 

Ducks are very shy about laying, and if alarmed while 
nesting are very likely never to return. If the eggs are to 
be removed, the safest method is to watch until the full 
clutch has been deposited. Under exceptional conditions 
good results in rearing young may sometimes be attained 
by allowing the duck to perform her natural functions. But 
ordinarily it is far safer to entrust the eggs to a bantam or 
other small fowl. 

When the hen comes off to feed, the eggs should be cov- 
ered with a soft cloth, in emulation of the habit of ducks. 
It is necessary also to dampen the eggs frequently with 
tepid water, particularly as incubation becomes well ad- 
vanced. 

The eggs of most ducks hatch in four weeks. Young 
divers frequently appear several days sooner and Teal re- 
quire but three weeks. The ducklings will not require food 
for the first twenty-four hours and should remain undis- 
turbed in the nest with the foster-mother. At the end of 
this period they should be removed to a small coop and 
run, as described for pheasants. 

The treatment of ducklings is very similar to that of 
young game birds. They should not be allowed to enter 



♦ PETS 113 

water, and that provided for drinking must be in a shallow 
receptacle. Young ducks are easily soaked, often with 
fatal results. 

Their first food may be boiled egg and biscuit crumbs, 
dampened. It is also advisable to float ants' cocoons and 
duckweed on the water. The young of many species do not 
readily learn to feed and it is here that the greatest difficulty 
lies. Slowl)' moving insects, such as newly hatched or 
drenched flies, will often attract the ducklings' attention 
and form the first meal. 

When the young birds are feeding well, they may be 
given one of the standard duck meals or the mixture recom- 
mended for pheasants. Boiled egg may be continued for 
a time, and green food, preferably duckweed, furnished 
liberally. Earthworms are an excellent food for all duck- 
lings large enough to eat them. 

As the youngsters progress, small grain should be intro- 
duced gradually into their diet. When six or eight weeks 
old, they may be allowed to enter the water and may be 
considered out of danger. 

Dampness and hot sun are fatal to ducklings, as well as 
pheasants, and must be avoided. 

When the young birds are a])out one week old, the last 
joint of one wing, just beyond the thumb, should be re- 
moved with a sharp pair of scissors. As the wing is still 
cartilaginous, there is no resistance and no bleeding. It is 
therefore not necessary to make a ligature, but it is well to 
apply a bit of antiseptic powder, such as iodoform or 
xeroform. This will prevent infection and blowing b}^ 
flies — a not uncommon trouble. 

Of the many species of wild ducks commonly kept in 
confinement the Mallard (Anas platyrliynchos) is the most 
abundant. Its ready acceptance of captivity led to its domes- 
tication at a very remote period, and the many domestic 




Photograph hy E. B. Sanborn Courtesj Neiv York Zoological Society 

Mute and Trumpeter Swans 




Photugrapli by E. Ji. Sanborn Coartesij New York Zoological Society 

Cereopsis Geese and Goslings 



PETS 115 

breeds we now possess have been developed. The Mal- 
lard is much the easiest of all wild ducks to manage and 
rear. Its propagation is carried on extensively on game 
preserves and great numbers are reared yearly. An excel- 
lent field awaits the producer of these birds for market, as 
the demand is heavy and but a small portion has so far been 
met. 

The Black Duck (Anas rubripcs), although closely 
allied to the Mallard, does not share its domestic tendencies. 
It is shy and secretive, and although many attempts have 
been made to rear it on a large scale, there has as yet been 
no notable success. 

The Pintail (Dafila acuta), Bald pate (Mareca amer- 
icana) and Shoveller {Spatula clypcata) are other native 
American species (the first and last are found in the Old 
World as well) which are attractive for their ornamental 
value. All are hardy and easily kept, and all have been 
bred in captivity on occasion. 

Of the three North American Teal, the Green-w^ing 
(Nettion carolinensc) is the smallest, and likewise the hardi- 
est. The Blue-wing {Oucrqucdiila discors) and Cinna- 
mon (Q. cyanoptera) are well enough during warm 
weather, but in New York at least cannot endure the severe 
winters we sometimes experience. The Gadwall {Cliaii- 
Iclasrmis strcpcra) is another which does not like cold 
weather, although thoroughly acclimatized specimens get on 
well enough. 

Of foreign species, South America offers some most 
attractive forms. The Chilian Pintail {Dafila spini- 
cauda) and the Chilian Widgeon {Mareca sibilatrix) 
are both hardy and handsome, requiring no artificial heat 
during the winter. In both species the sexes are alike in 
color. The many beautiful South American Teal — the 
Brazilian (Nettion brasiliense), the Black-capped or 



116 PETS 

Versicolor (Querquedula versicolor), the Chilian {Net- 
tion Havirostre) and the lovely and most recently imported 
Ringed {N. torquatiim) — are most engaging. Some, and 
perhaps all, no doubt are hardy, but theirifitiarity impels the 
furnishing of heated quarters during the winter. 

The best known Australian species ;S the Australian 
Gray Duck {Anas super ciliaris) , a sturdy bird resembling 
our Black Duck. 

Our own Wood Duck {Aix sponsa) and the Mandarin 
{A. galericulata), of eastern Asia, are easily the most beau- 
tiful of all ducks. Although the males are totally dififerent 
in their wonderful coloring and patterns, the females are 
strikingly alike and not easily distinguished by the novice. 
But a comparison of the wide, white eye-ring of the Wood 
Duck with the much smaller marking of the Mandarin 
furnishe.s a ready key. 

Both species are among the hardiest and most easily kept 
of ducks. A pair will thrive in summer in the smallest of 
enclosures, if properly planted, and with a washtub for a 
pool. In winter, if open water cannot be kept, they will 
be perfectly happy in a shed or box stall. At liberty on a 
larger pond, nothing could be more attractive than a mixed 
flock of both species. 

The Wood Duck is a very free breeder, if provided with 
a nest as already described. The Mandarin is much shyer, 
but is not at all difficult to breed. Broods of both species 
are reared yearly in the New York Zoological Park. The 
young birds are exceedingly wild and active. They are 
able to squeeze through the tiniest hole and can climb like 
mice. It is therefore necessary to confine them tightly for 
the first few days, until they become thoroughly familiar 
with their surroundings and foster-mother. 

The Tree Ducks, of which there are a number of species, 
mainly tropical, live well in captivity, but cannot endure 



PETS 117 

severe winters out of doors. All are fairly large birds, 
with long, well-developed legs. They perch freely, and lay 
their eggs in hollow trees. The best known species are the 
Fulvous {Dcndrocygna fulva), the White-faced {D. 
vidiiata) and the Red-billed or Black-bellied {D. au- 
tiunnalis). 

In South America the writer has seen Tree Ducks perched 
upon a large, dead tree in such countless numbers that at a 
distance it appeared once more to be clothed with leaves. 
But a closer approach caused the birds to arise in clouds, 
as though a hurricane had again robbed the veteran of its 
foliage. 

Of the Diving or Sea Ducks, North America boasts some 
superb species. The Canvasback [Marila valisncria) , the 
Redhead (M. americana), the Scaup {M. marila) and the 
Lesser Scaup (M. aflinis) are the best known. All are 
easily kept if treated as already described. The Redhead 
has been ]3red several times ; the Canvasback was success- 
fully reared for the first time on the estate of William 
Rockefeller in 191 5, but neither Scaup has yet nested in 
captivity in this country. 

Of the European divers, the Pochard (M. ferina), which 
is intermediate in appearance between the Canvasback and 
the Redhead, is the most common in captivity. The Tltfted 
Duck (M. fuligula) is much like a Scaup, but entirely 
black above and white below, with a well-developed, pendent 
crest. The White-eye {M. nyroca) is one of the smallest 
of divers, rich mahogany in color, the irides of the male 
being pure white. This bird was bred in the New York 
Zoological Park in 191 5 for the first time in America. 

The Rosy-billed Duck (Mctopiana pcposaca), of south- 
ern South America, is one of the handsomest of the divers. 
The male is blackish above and gray and white below, in 
strong contrast to which is the brilliant pink beak. The 



118 PETS 

female is a somber brown, with dark beak. This bird is 
indifferent to cold and lives well in confinement. 

The Sheldrakes, as a group, are intermediate between 
ducks and geese. They are birds of comparatively large 
size, and spend much time in grazing, after the fashion of 
geese. All of the species are exceedingly quarrelsome dur- 
ing the breeding season, and must be watched closely to 
prevent their killing weaker birds. 

The Ruddy Sheldrake (Casarca casarca) is the best 
known species. Both sexes are bright rufous in general 
color, the male usually being distinguishable by his larger 
size and a black ring about the neck. It is a hardy species 
and not affected by cold. It has been bred frequently in 
America. 

The Paradise or Variegated Sheldrake (Casarca 
varicgata) , of New Zealand, is not common in captivity in 
this country. The male is handsomely colored, with black 
head and neck, gray back, black tail, chestnut breast and 
white wing coverts. The female is somewhat similar, but 
has the head and neck pure white. This species breeds 
freely in European collections, but is exceedingly pug- 
nacious. 

The Common European Sheldrake (Tadorna tadorna) 
is a strikingly handsome bird, the sexes being marked alike 
with contrasting patches of green, chestnut and white. Un- 
fortunately, it is an exceedingly difficult bird to establish 
in captivity, and cannot be induced to live for long in this 
country. 

Geese 

The geese in general are even easier than ducks to keep 
in health. Water is less essential for their needs, the chief 
requirement being grazing ground. Geese of most species 
spend more time on land than afloat, and in summer will 



PETS 119 

nearly support themselves by eating grass. The same grain 
suppHed for ducks will satisfy geese, and a good supply of 
green food during the winter months is a necessity. 

Most of the species are very hardy and require no pro- 
tection during the winter. Although living for years in 
captivity, and keeping always in the best of condition, few 
species, with the exception of the Canada Goose, breed well. 

Geese are quite safe in mixed collections, unless inclined 
to pair in the spring, when they may become dangerous to 
their smaller neighbors. 

The Canada Goose (Branfa canadensis) is the American 
species most commonly seen in collections. It is one of the 
few geese which breed well in captivity, and there is no 
reason why it should not eventually become thoroughly 
domesticated. It is much in vogue among propagators, 
and large numbers are reared annually for stocking pur- 
poses. 

Like all wdld geese, the Canada is strictly monogamous, 
pairs remaining mated for many }-ears. Nesting takes place 
late in March or in April, according to weather conditions. 
Three to seven eggs are laid, incubation lasting twenty- 
eight to thirty days. The young are dirty yellowish when 
hatched. If grazing is available, no food for the young 
birds is necessary, as grass is all that is required for their 
sustenance. Unlike ducks, geese are the best of parents, and 
care for the young with the greatest solicitude. When 
conditions are at all favorable, young Canada Geese, if 
allowed to remain full- winged, wall seldom permanently 
leave their home. 

Canada Geese are exceedingly quarrelsome during the 
mating season. Pairs not only will refuse to allow others 
to nest in their vicinity, but are most vindictive in the 
destruction of the nests and sometimes also the nests of 
birds of other species. This pugnacity may take curious 



120 PETS 

turns, a pair of birds in the New York Zoological Park 
once having kidnapped the young of other pairs until they 
had accumulated no less than eighteen goslings, all of 
which they triumphantly reared ! 

HuTCHiNS Goose {B. canadensis hutchinsi) is a small 
edition of the Canada Goose, and the Cackling Goose 
(B. c. minima) is similar but still more diminutive. 
Strangely enough, although obviously very closely allied to 
the Canada Goose, neither of these birds has been bred 
in captivity in America, although the Hutchin, at least, has 
reared young in Europe. 

The various forms of the Brant {Brant a bcrnicla) fall in 
the same category. Three birds of the eastern subspecies, 
all full-winged, have lived in the New York Zoological 
Park for nearly fifteen years, but have never shown any 
inclination to breed. The European Brant does not seem 
difficult to breed in captivity on its native continent. 

The three Snow Geese, the Greater {Chen hyperborea 
nivalis), the Lesser (C. h. hyperborea) and the Ross (C. 
rossii), are pure white in color, with black primaries. They 
differ from one another chiefly in size and other minor par- 
ticulars. None of the forms has ever reared young in cap- 
tivity in America, although there seems to be no great diffi- 
culty about it in Europe. In 191 2 the writer saw a pair of 
Snow Geese, with three well-grown young, which they had 
reared in a tiny paddock in the Zoological Gardens of 
London. 

The genus Anser includes the ancestors of our domestic 
breeds, the Gray Lag Goose {Anscr anser). This Euro- 
pean species, although domesticated in remote ages, is a very 
shy breeder in captivity. It has been bred at least once in 
America, the eggs being rescued from the water, where they 
had been dropped, and two goslings hatched and reared 
by a hen. 




Photograph by E. K Sanborn Courtesy New York Zonlnrr^vil s.irirtii 

Mallard Ducks 




Photograph by E. R. Sanborn Courtesy New York Zoological Society 

Mandarin Duck 



122 PETS 

There are numerous other European species of Anser, th^' 
most common being the Bean Goose (A. fahilis) and the 
PiNK-FOOTED {A. bracJiyrhyficJius) . These birds are some- 
what ahke but easily distinguished by the yellow feet and 
bill markings of the first-named, compared with pale pink 
in the latter. 

America has one representative of the group, the Amer- 
ican White-fronted Goose (A. alhifrons gamheli). A 
large flock of these birds has lived almost at liberty for a 
number of years in the New York Zoological Park, but its 
members have never shown any tendency to pair. 

The Upland Geese (Chlocphago) are natives of south- 
ern South America. Once fully acclimatized, they are 
able to resist our coldest winters. All are handsome birds, 
the best known species being the Magellan (C niagel- 
lanica), of which the male is white, with back pearl-gray 
barred with black, as are the sides of the body. The female 
is similarly marked, but with the ground color bright chest- 
nut. This species is bred in some numbers in Europe. 

The Cereopsis Goose (Cercopsis noz'cr-hoUandicu), of 
southern Australia and Tasmania, is becoming so rare that 
collectors have to depend upon captivity-bred birds. It is 
dark gray in color, with a few large, brownish spots. The 
base of .the short black beak is covered with a greenish cere. 
The legs are red but the feet are black, giving the bird the 
appearance of having recently walked in mud. This goose 
is distinctly a grazing species, never entering the water if it 
can be avoided. It is not sensitive to cold, but during the 
winter must be well provided with green food, which forms 
its chief sustenance. During the breeding season the male 
is exceedingly pugnacious and powerful enough to kill a 
Sandhill Crane. A pair in the New York Zoological Park 
have reared young each year since 1910. The goslings are 
prettily striped with black and white, and although they 



PETS 123 

feed mostly on grass, they can be taught to eat the food 
recommended for duckhngs. 

The Chinese Goose (Cygnopsis cygnoidcs) has become 
fully domesticated, and has given rise to distinct varieties, 
one of which is pure white. The typical form is grayish- 
brown in color, with a dark stripe down the back of the 
neck. The beak is black, with a large, round knob at the 
base, which is more conspicuous in the male. It is a 
large bird and exceedingly noisy. 

The Egyptian Goose {Alopochcn (rgyptiacus) is very 
common in captivity, and breeds so readily that it may al- 
most be said to have become domesticated. It is a hardy 
and handsome bird, being in general reddish-chestnut above 
and fawn below, with a chestnut patch on the abdomen, the 
whole set off by the metallic black of wings and tail. Its 
disposition, however, is so fierce and vindictive that it is 
not safe in a mixed collection. The writer has known a 
particularly savage male to kill an incubating Canada Goose 
and a Black Swan, almost while the attendant's back was 
turned. 

The Muscovy Duck (Cairina moschofa) is in reality a 
goose, and forms, with several allied species, one of the 
suborders of that group. It has become perfectly domesti- 
cated, and several color-varieties have arisen — pied, white 
and lavender. 

The typical wild bird which is found throughout tropical 
America is very uncommon in captivity. It is pure black 
in color, with the exception of the upper and under wing 
coverts and axillaries, which are white. A pair of these' 
birds, secured in Colombia, have bred in the New York 
Zoological Park, the young being colored like their parents. 

The Muscovy drake is much larger than his mate, often 
doubling her weight. He is often savagely inclined, and 
not always safe in mixed collections. Muscovies hybridize 



124 PETS 

freely with domestic ducks, the offspring being invariably 
sterile. 

Swans 

Because of their large size and undoubted grace, swans 
have long held a premier position in the estimation of keep- 
ers of water-fowl. All of the species are hardy, so far as 
temperature is concerned, and easily kept. Almost more 
than any other anserine bird, water is essential for the well- 
being of swans. Perfectly at ease in their natural element, 
few birds are more awkward or unlovely than a swan 
ashore. 

Swans do best in a large body of water, well supplied 
with aquatic plants. When these are not available, the birds 
may condescend to go ashore and graze a bit, but are evi- 
dently not happy while doing so. Adult birds may be fed 
on the same grain provided for ducks, and will relish bread 
crusts and Game Food, if thrown on the water. Green food 
in some form must be provided in winter. 

In many places where the severity of winter makes the 
care of the birds difficult, it is customary to make temporary 
enclosures of wire netting, by means of which the swans 
may be confined to the most sheltered position. At this 
season the males are less quarrelsome than during the spring, 
and may be gathered together with safety. 

Seven species of true swans are recognized, of which 
five are white in color. The most abundant in captivity is 
rne Mute Swan (Olor olor). This is the common swan of 
Europe, where it has been kept and bred in a semidomestic 
condition for centuries. In England the feudal laws con- 
cerning the ownership and rearing of these birds are still 
observed to some extent. 

The Mute Swan is a large bird, readily distinguished by 
the reddish beak and black tubercle at the base. The male 



PETS 125 

is larger than the female, and generally has the tubercle 
better developed. The feet of the common form are black, 
but in a variety known as the Polish Swan, which appears 
to have arisen by mutation, the feet are leaden gray. The 
young of this bird are white when hatched, while those of 
the typical Mute Swan are sooty gray. 

These birds are bred in Europe with the greatest facility, 
but it is onl}' of very recent years that much success has been 
attained in this country. Many have explained the failure 
by the belief that the males were rendered sterile before 
leaving Europe. Whatever the difficulty, it seems to have 
been overcome, and Mute Swans are now being bred here 
in some numbers. 

At Belmar, New Jersey, a fiock of nine birds has been 
bred up to more than fifty in the last five years. The birds 
are kept on a large lake in the center of the town. This 
lake is well supplied with Anadiaris, an aquatic plant of 
rank growth. The original intention was that the swans 
should prevent the overgrowth of this plant, which they 
appear to be doing with great success. The birds nest 
about the shores of the lake, not far removed from public 
highways and entirely without shelter. The scene during 
the breeding season is one calculated to stir the enthusiasm 
of the most phlegmatic nature-lover, 

Male swans are exceedingly pugnacious, particularly dur- 
ing nesting time, and will not tolerate the presence of a 
rival or another pair in the immediate vicinity. Even a 
man must be on his guard when near the nest, for a blow 
of the wing of a swan is not to be taken lightly. 

The nest is built of sticks and rubbish and is a structure 
of considerable size. The eggs number from three to seven, 
and are greenish-white in color. Incubation occupies six 
weeks, and the young of the typical form, as already men- 
tioned, are sooty gray. If plenty of green food is avail- 



126 PETS 

able, the young will be reared by the parents with little 
difficulty. The ration may be eked out with bread crusts 
and game ic 

The soot .ygnets are of a similar color when fe; 
are assume, but the young of the Polish form are white in 
the first plumage, as in the down. They are ready for 
breeding when V-" ears old. 

America has t j fine native species of swans, the 
Whistling (O. c olmnbianus) 3.nd the Trumpeter {B. 
buccinator). Both are distinguished from all other white 
swans by their black beaks, and from each other chiefly by 
the larger size of the Trumpeter and a yellow spot at the 
base of the beak of the Whistler. The Trumpeter, unfortu- 
nately, now is nearly extinct, and probably is so far reduced 
that it cannot be resuscitated by propagation in confinement, 
Both species have been bred in captivity. 

The Bewick Swan (O. hezvicki) and the Whooping 
Swan (0. cygnus) are European species. They are very 
similar in appearance, the latter being distinguished by its 
considerably larger size and the greater extent of the yellow 
at the base of the bill, which runs down past the nostrils in 
this species, but stops short of them in the Bewick. Both 
species are occasionally offered for sale. They are hardy 
and desirable, but are difficult to breed. 

The Black-necked Swan (0. melanocorphus) , oi south- 
ern South America, is the only species which appears to be 
delicate in captivity. In Europe it presents no particular 
difficulties and breeds readily and frequently. In America, 
however, it is very difficult to establish. Once acclima- 
tized, it is as resistant as any other, and lives well en> 
An abundance of green food is absolutely essential for 
keeping this species in health. With its sno^ ' ^ , black 
neck and red beak, it is the handsomest of the . s, and it is 
regrettable that it is not more easily kept. 



PETS 127 

In color, at least, the Black Swa • (Chenopsis atrata) 
is contrary to all tradition, and its discovery in Australia, 
697, must have been a sad blow to lov o^ proverbs, 
mber, brownish-black plumage, set oft ith a coral 
beaK, is attractive, and in grace it far excels ..ny of the 
other species. The primary feathers are white and the 
wing coverts are curiously curled. 

This swan is a very free breeder, . : greatest trouble 
lying in the fact that the birds fail to change their calendar 
when introduced into the Northern Hemisphere, and are 
as likely to nest in January as any other time. They are 
the best of parents, however, and frequently rear the cygnets 
in spite of the greatest difficulties. 



CHAPTER IX 
PARROTS 

After the canary, the members of the various groups of 
the order of parrots (Psittaciformes) are kept as pets 
more frequently than any other birds. The faculty of 
imitating the human voice, which most parrots possess in 
some degree, exercises a fascination which few can resist. 
That they are, in the main, extraordinarily hardy birds is 
evidenced by the frequency with which, in spite of all man- 
ner of dietary abuse, they are seen in captivity. There are 
records of parrots living in confinement for periods up to 
ninety-odd years. Twenty-five to thirty-five years may be 
considered as a fair average longevity. 

Three families are represented by the species which may 
be considered as suitable for cage birds: Lories (Loriidve), 
Cockatoos (Cacatuid^) and that which includes the 
Macaws, Parrakeets, Amazon and Gray Parrots and Love- 
birds (Psittacid.e). As food and treatment vary con- 
siderably in each case, each group will be considered sepa- 
rately. 

Lories and Lorikeets 

These birds, while the loveliest of parrots, are, unfortu- 
nately, likewise the most delicate. Their tongues are finely 
divided and brush-like at the tip, as an adaptation to their 
habit of feeding on the pollen of flowers. Their beaks, 
while less powerful than those of other parrots, are still 
strong enough to crush small seeds, or, if necessary, to 
inflict very severe bites. 

Lories quickly become delightfully tame, and are ex- 

128 



PETS 129 

ceedingly playful, performing antics much like those of a 
happy kitten. They will live in an ordinary parrot cage, but 
do best in a roomy aviary where their sportive instincts may 
be given full play. Like most parrots, they nest in hollow 
trees, and if suitable boxes and logs are provided, may 
occasionally lay eggs and rear their young, but success is 
not common. Although all of the species come from the 
East Indies, Australia or New Guinea, many are able to 
live through the coldest winters in unheated aviaries. 

Lories occasionally learn to speak a few simple words, 
but cannot be considered good talkers. 

One of the greatest drawbacks to the keeping of lories 
is the fact that dealers almost invariably feed them on seed 
only. Many species will thrive for a time on this ill- 
considered diet, but death from fits is certain to follow, 
sooner or later. When birds thus fed are received, they 
must be brought gradually to eat suitable food, for after 
having had seed for a long period, they frequently are 
reluctant to change. 

The staple food of lories and lorikeets should be one of 
the various forms of " milksop." The mixture is best 
made with sweetened condensed milk, diluted with boiling 
water, as the keeping qualities of this preparation excel 
those of fresh milk. The milk, while hot, should be poured 
over biscuit or sponge-cake known to be free from harm- 
ful ingredients. In the New York Zoological Park, whole- 
wheat zweiback is used with very satisfactory results. Soft, 
ripe fruit, such as bananas, pears and grapes, as well as 
stewed apples and pears, should be furnished daily, as well 
as fresh green food when obtainable. Most species will eat 
a small amount of seed, preferably canary, millet or oats. 
Lories enjoy bathing, and water should always be avail- 
able. 

The tails of the lories proper are comparatively broad and 



130 PETS 

rounded at the ends ; those of the lorikeets are long and 
sharp-pointed. Of the former, the Chattering Lory 
{Lorius garrulus) and the Yellow-backed (L. iiavopal- 
liatiis) are most commonly seen. Both are, in the- main, 
deep red with green wings. The latter has a yellow patch 
in the center of the back. The Purple-capped Lory (L. 
domicella) is somewhat similar, but has the head black, 
shading to purple on the nape, and a yellow pectoral band. 

The lorikeet most abundant in captivity is the Blue 
Mountain or Swainson's {Trichoglosstis novcc-hol- 
landicu), which frequently reaches this country in large lots. 
The birds invariably arrive in perfect condition, but drop 
off alarmingly if kept on the seed diet. It is a beautiful 
species, green above, with head and abdomen blue, a yellow 
band on the nape and a wide zone of reddish-orange across 
the breast. There are a number of similar, closely related 
birds, the best known of which is the Red-collared Lori- 
keet (T. rubritorques), easily distinguished by the deep 
orange nuchal band. 

The Scaly-breasted Lorikeet (Psitteuteles chlorolepi- 
dotus) is one of the most satisfactory species in captivity. 
It will live for a long time on seed and fruit alone, although, 
of course, a liquid diet suits it much better. It is less ornate 
than most, being green above, with the breast feathers yel- 
low edged with green ; the under wing coverts ajre red. 

Cockatoos 

The cockatoos are a fairly homogenous group, easily dis- 
tinguished at a glance from other parrots. All of the 
species are crested, and the beak is usually thick and deep. 
White plumage is very prevalent among them, and solid 
black, an unusual color among parrots, is found as well. 

Their range is much the same as that of the lories. 



PETS 131 

Many of the species are absolutely hardy and can with- 
stand the lowest temperatures with little or no shelter. This 
is especially true of the Sulphur-crested, Roseate. Slender- 
billed and Bare-eyed Cockatoos, and the Cockateel. 

Hand-reared cockatoos make excellent pets, but usually 
have a most annoying habit of screaming loudly and harshly. 
They often pick up a few words, and some individuals make 
very fair talkers. It is of interest to note that the sexes 
of many species of cockatoos may be distinguished by 
the color of the iris, which is dark in males and light reddish 
in females. 

Although, being short-tailed, cockatoos will keep in very 
good condition in a roomy cage, the larger species are much 
Jbetter off on stands. If given the privilege of space, they 
will derive much benefit, and occasion some amusement to 
the owner as well, by their clownish antics — throwing 
up the crest, spreading the wings and swinging inverted 
from the perch. 

Cockatoos should be given a mixture of sunflower and 
hemp seeds, oats, wheat, dari and a little canary, the in- 
gredients being varied as opportunity permits. Peanuts are 
welcome and beneficial, as well as ripe fruit, green food, 
peas in the pod, green corn and an occasional dry biscuit. 
Thoroughly boiled whole corn is relished by all parrots as 
a tidbit and is an excellent diet for a bird that is out of 
sorts. It must not be used too extensively for healthy 
adult birds, as it is very fattening in character. Pure water 
only should be provided for drinking and bathing. Aside 
from these items, nothing should be given to cockatoos or 
parrots. Meat, bones, tea, coffee, candy, cake, etc., should 
be especially avoided. Indulgence in such matters is the 
basis for most of the troubles to which captive parrots are 
subject. 

The Sulphur-crested Cockatoo (Cacatua galerita), of 



132 PETS 

Australia and Tasmania, is the best known species. It is 
white in plumage, with a long, narrow, yellow crest, and 
a tinge of the same shade in the tail feathers. Great quan- 
tities of adult birds are netted in Australia, and these form 
the bulk of the shipments which reach this country. Such 
birds are exceedingly wild and intractable, and become tame 
only after the most persistent efforts on the part of the 
owner. Young, hand-reared birds occasionally are seen, 
and such specimens should be sought for. 

The Red-crested Cockatoo (C. moluccensis), of Ceram, 
is the finest of all. It is a large bird, rose-tinted white in 
color, with the longer feathers of the full crest bright 
vermilion. It is not common in captivity, but the few speci- 
mens seen are invariably hand-reared and enchantingly 
tame. 

The Great White Cockatoo (C. alha) is similar to the 
foregoing, but is slightly smaller and white in color, with 
the exception of an infusion of yellow in the wings and 
tail. The crest is longer than in the Red-crested. It is a 
native of the Molucca Islands. 

The Leadbeater Cockatoo (C leadbeoteri) is an Aus- 
tralian bird. It is exceedingly handsome, being white above, 
with the head, neck and underparts strongly suffused with 
rosy pink. The crest is white at the tip and reddish at the 
base, with an intermediate band of yellow. When thrown 
up in display, the effect is very attractive. 

The Roseate or " Rosa " Cockatoo {C . roseica'pilla) is 
the only common species which is not white in the main. It 
is a really lovely bird, pale gray above with the crown pink- 
ish-white, while the neck, breast and underparts are deep 
rose. It is very abundant in Australia, where it is known 
as the Galah, and is shipped in large numbers by the catch- 
ers. Specimens offered by dealers are invariably very wild 
and are difficult to tame. Although it is one of the poorest 



PETS 133 

speakers among the cockatoos, it is sometimes sold by the 
unscrupulous as a " gray parrot." 

The CocKATEEL (Colopsittocus noz'cc-hollandicc) is to the 
cockatoos as the parrakeets are to the parrots proper. Both 
sexes are ashy gray above, with white wing patch. The 
cock has the crest and face bright yellow, with an orange 
cheek patch ; these markings are much duller in the female. 
It is a pretty, hardy bird, and individuals reared from 
the nest occasionally learn to speak a few w^ords. It breeds 
freely if given its liberty in an aviary, nesting in prepared 
logs or other artificial receptacles. 

Macaws 

The macaws are the largest, and perhaps the gaudiest of 
the parrot tribe. Certainly they are the noisiest, the softest 
sound of which they are capable being a harsh rumble, and 
their loudest terrific beyond description. The writer has 
seen w^ild macaws on early tropic mornings, with their bril- 
liant plumage reflecting the first rays of the sun across the 
treetops. Under such conditions, as they flew along the 
silent waterways, their notes had decided charm. But 
within the confines of a room the shriek of a macaw is not 
a pleasant sound. 

Because of their long tails and their incurable habit of 
climbing wires, macaws are best kept on stands or on swing- 
ing perches. A light, strong steel band around one leg with 
a short chain, attached to a swivel and a sliding ring, are 
all that need confine the bird. These attachments, as well 
as the receptacles for food and water, must be strong and 
securely fastened, to withstand the persistent attacks of the 
powerful beak. 

Macaws should be fed as recommended for cockatoos. 

Most of the macaws which reach us have been reared 



134 ■ PETS 

from the nest by natives. These birds are reasonably tame, 
and often make fair talkers. Macaws are seldom to be 
trusted, however, and their strong, heavy beaks are dan- 
gerous weapons. 

There are about twenty species of macaws, of which only 
a few are generally seen in captivity. 

The Red and Blue Macaw (Ara macao) and the Blue 
AND Yellow {A. ararauna) are the most common. The 
former is bright red in color, with green-tipped, yellow 
wing coverts and blue primaries. The latter is deep blue 
above, with bright yellow underparts. Both species are 
found from Central America to northern South America. 

The Green-winged Macaw {A. chloroptera) somewhat 
resembles the Red and Blue, but is considerably larger, 
with a heavier beak. It is a darker red, and has no yellow 
in the wing coverts, which are mostly green. Its range 
approximates that of the preceding. 

The Military Macaw {A. militaris) is mostly bright 
green, with a red frontal patch. It is somewhat smaller 
than those already mentioned and is less common. It is 
found from Mexico to Peru. 

The most charming of all macaws are the blue species, 
of the genus Anodorhynchus. There are three forms, of 
which the least uncommon, as well as the finest, is the 
Hyacinthine {A. hyacinthinus) . This is a huge creature, 
nearly three feet in length, with a great hooked beak and of 
a deep cobalt blue, with the base of the lower mandible as 
well as the eye-rings yellow. This is an intelligent bird, 
very tame and confiding with those it knows and trusts, but 
decidedly averse to strangers. All of the species have 
rather obscure origins in central Brazil, and consequently 
are always rare and high in price. 




Green-winged ]\Iacaw (above) 
Lesser Sulphur-crested Cockatoo (below) 



136 PETS 

Parrots 

Of the parrots proper, there are something over one 
hundred species, found in Mexico, Central and South 
America, the United States, Africa and Madagascar. Al- 
though brilHant coloration is not the rule, it is among these 
birds that the finest talkers occur. 

Parrots are usually kept caged, close confinement ap- 
parently not in the least affecting their health. The cage 
should be roomy enough to permit some exercise. The 
largest and strongest cages are usually those made of brass, 
but the danger of poisoning from corrosion is always pres- 
ent. For this reason, if for no other, tinned or galvanized 
wire is preferable. As many perches as the size of the cage 
will permit may be used. Many birds have a habit of 
chewing the perches, which may be lessened to some extent 
by providing bits of soft wood for the working off of 
energy. 

Food and water receptacles generally are made removable 
from without, a fortunate provision when the inmate must 
be cared for by a timid or unfamiliar person. 

A removable tray, which should be kept covered with clean 
sand or fine gravel, facilitates the removal of refuse. Par- 
rots swallow a considerable number of smalh stones, which 
are required for proper digestion of the food. 

The food of adult parrots should be much the same as 
that recommended for cockatoos! It is customary in this 
country to feed parrots very heavily on sunflower and 
hemp. It should be borne in mind, however, that both these 
seeds, particularly the latter, have a very heating and fat- 
tening effect. They should by all means be strongly diluted 
with oats, dari and canary seeds. Nuts, ripe fruits and 
green food may be supplied freely. As already stated, tea, 
coffee, meat, sweets, etc., must never be given. 



PETS 137 

Few parrots will bathe, but should be allowed to if they 
will. Otherwise the plumage should occasionally be sprayed 
with tepid water. 

There is a curious superstition existent among parrot- 
keepers, to the effect that these birds not only require no 
water, but are better off without it. The foundation for 
this absurd belief is not hard to find. When parrots, par- 
ticularly young birds, are being brought froni the tropics, 
they are customarily fed on boiled corn or bread and milk. 
What moisture they require is obtained from the food. If 
such birds are suddenly given access to unlimited water, the 
effect on the digestive organs is dangerous, and may result 
in the death of the bird. On the other hand, if the parrot 
be given a drink daily, and then the water be removed for 
a short period, the bird will gradually become accustomicd 
to it. Once this is accomplished, there is nothing to fear 
from clean water. 

Parrots of two types of disposition are seen in the New 
York bird market. There are wild, vicious individuals, 
caught while adult and almost untamable. Such birds should 
be avoided, no matter how low the price may be. The ma- 
joritv of arrivals, however, are young, tame, hand-reared 
birds, very gentle and affectionate. A bird of this sort 
makes an interesting, clever pet, and if it is of one of the 
better-talking species, will learn quickly. 

These young parrots, as already stated, generally are 
brought to New York on softened food. It is necessary, 
therefore, to continue this diet for a time, bringing the bird 
to hard seed little by little. The same course is necessary 
with the drinking water. 

Teaching a parrot to talk is not the difficult matter it com- 
monly is supposed to be. If the bird is young and tame, it 
will learn very quickly. It should be confined by itself, 
bevond the sight and sound of others, and its cage some- 



138 PETS 

what darkened. Under such conditions, it will not be long 
in learning oft-repeaiied sounds. Short, simple words should 
be taken first, and the same '~^<^ reiterated, until i' ' een 

thoroughly mastered by th. ^ird, before another is taken 
up. The art of lean.'jg is acquired as the parrot grows 
older, so that accomplished birds are able to repeat fairly 
long sentences with very little instruction. In training a 
parrot one must not forget that one will have to endure the 
constant repetition of whatever the bird is taught. Reflec- 
tion on this point may have some effect on the selection of 
phrases, and the usual banal remarks of parrots may be 
avoided. 

While it is not at all uncommon for a cherished family 
pet suddenly to astound its owners by producing an tgg, it is 
most unusual for these birds to breed in captivity. In fact, 
while the Gray Parrot has been bred, there seems to be no 
record of this event in the case of any Amazon. Parrots 
nest normally in hollow logs, and there is no reason to doubl 
that, in a large aviary suitably fitted up, the feat might be 
accomplished. 

The Gray Parrot (Psittacus erythacus) , of western ind 
central Africa, is the parrot par excellence. It is attracti"^^y 
colored — soft gray with red tail — and quickly becomes an 
accomplished talker. It is also a clever mimic, and excels 
other parrots as a whistler. 

Individuals with red feathers scattered through the 
plumage occasionally are seen. Such birds are kno- 
" kings " and are credited with a superior degree oi in- 
telligence which is, of course, purely mythical. It appears 
to be less hardy than Amazons when it comes to endu'"""' 
dietary abuse, and wrong feeding will quickly u^ 
Although it is imported in conside'rable numbers, the 
tality is generally very high among freshly arrived birds, 
many being infected with psittacosis. Severe losses a.v . 



PETS 139 

ginning to discourage dealers, so that importations of these 
bird? rre yearly becoming ^ess. 

V *Ke most parrots, t'. .y is not difficult to sex. The 

female is generally smaller than the male, and the bare 
patch around the eye is rounded posteriorly in the former, 
but ends in a point in the sterner sex. 

Of the green Amazon Parrots, there are about forty-five 
known forms, but few of which are usually to be had 
from dealers. All of the common species are mostly green, 
with wings and tails variously marked with red, blue and 
yellow. It is the markings of the head, however, that are 
most characteristic, and as the following descriptions are 
for the purpose of identification only, we shall confine them 
to those parts. 

The Yellow-headed Amazon, or " Double Yellow- 
head " (Ainazona oratrLv), of Mexico, is the most popu- 
lar species. As implied by the name, the green plumage is 
enlivened by a head of pale yellow. The beak is white. The 
yellow is less extensive in young birds, covering a greater 
expanse as the parrot becomes adult. Parrots of this species 
' ;ome excellent talkers and also learn songs, their voices 
uJ.ng particularly adapted to this form of vocal expression. 

The Yellow-fronted Amazon, or " Single Yellow- 
head " (A. ocJiroccphala), is somewhat smaller than the 
preceding, and has the yellow confined to the forehead only. 
The bill is blackish when adult, with base of the upper 
lible fleshy-colored. It is found in northern South 
America. It is commonly imported, and makes a very 
go.^d talker. The Panama Amazon (A. panamcnsis) is 

"" similar, but has the bill white throughout. These 

es often are not distinguished in the trade. 

he Golden-naped Amazon {A. auripalliata) ranges 

fro~i western Mexico to Costa Rica. It is a large bird, 

vvith a yellow patch on the nape, which is wanting in im- 



140 PETS 

mature specimens. The Golden-nape is a clever pupil, and 
pushes the Yellow-head closely in the question of superior- 
ity. This species is now imported more frequently than 
in former years. 

The Blue-fronted Amazon (A. crstiva) is green, like 
its congeners, with blue forehead and yellow face and throat, 
while the wings and tail are further diversified with red 
and blue. It is found from central Brazil to Argentina. 
This is a handsome, hardy species, very abundant in the 
New York market, but as a linguist not supposed to rank 
with the foregoing forms. 

The White-fronted or Cuban Amazon {A. leuco- 
cephala) was at one time the commonest parrot among 
dealers. Recently, however, its exportation from Cuba has 
been prohibited, so that is becoming uncommon. Some 
individuals make fairly good speakers, but the species can- 
not be considered as one of the best. Like most Amazons, 
it is green in general, with a white forehead, bordered on 
the crown with red, which extends to the cheeks and 
throat. 

The Green-cheeked Amazon {A. viridigena), a Mexi- 
can species, was once so uncommon here as to be a rarity. 
Of late, however, it has been imported more freely, at times 
being the most abundant parrot in the market. Linguisti- 
cally, it is one of the least gifted, and has not become popu- 
lar. It is smaller than most Amazons and mostly green in 
color, with the cheeks of a brighter shade and the forepart of 
the head red. 

Parrakeets and Love-birds 

The parrakeets are included in a number of subfamilies, 
differing from each other sufficiently for a bird to be as- 
signed on sight, even though its species may not be recog- 



PETS 141 

nized. There are three important groups : the Broad-tails 
and Grass Parrakeets of the Australian region, the Ring- 
necks and alHed species and the American forms. The 
characters which distinguish parrakeets from parrots are 
more or less arbitrary, but the possession of a long tail, 
whether pointed or rounded, is the most prominent char- 
acter. 

The American Conures and Parrakeets (Conurin^) 
make good cage birds, as most of the specimens which reach 
us are hand-reared and tame. It is not uncommon for them 
to learn to speak a few words. 

The cage should be of metal and large enough to provide 
room for the inmates. A number of the species have reared 
their young in captivity, but they must have the run of an 
aviary for this purpose. They nest in hollow logs, as do 
other birds of this order. 

The food should consist principally of oats, canary and 
millet, with the addition of a small quantity of sunflower 
and hemp. Green food and fruit should be furnished, as 
well as water for drinking and bathing, a privilege of which 
many parrakeets will avail themselves. 

The best known species are the Conures (Conurus), of 
which about thirty forms are known. All are characterized 
by the possession of long, pointed tails. Many are uncom- 
mon or rare, only a very few being abundant in the market 
here. 

Three closely allied species are seen in about equal por- 
tions, and divide the honors of popularity. These are the 
Aztec Conure (C. acfcca), of Central America, the Cac- 
tus CoNURE (C. cactorimi), of southeast Brazil, and the 
Brow^n-throated Conure (C. ccniginosus) , of northern 
South America. All are green above, with brown faces 
and throats. The Aztec and Brown-throated are very simi- 
lar, but easily distinguished by the yellow ring around the 



142 PETS 

eye of the latter. The Cactus has the brown throat of a 
paler and softer shade and the underparts pale yellow. 
These are among the smallest of the conures, measuring 
about eight or nine inches. All make ideal pets, being hardy, 
tame, affectionate and amusing. 

The Golden-crowned Conure (C. aureus), of South 
America, is occasionally imported in some numbers. It is a 
larger bird than the foregoing, green, with forehead and eye- 
ring orange and the breast olive. It is a handsome species 
and lives well, but most of those seen here are wild-caught 
and do not readily become tame. 

The Black-headed Conure (C. nanday), of Paraguay, 
has always been a rare bird in this country. During the past 
two or three years, however, there have been heavier im- 
portations of this species, so that it is now more often to be 
obtained. It is a large bird, reaching a length of twelve 
inches. It is green above, with brownish-black head. The 
lower throat and much of the wing is blue, while the thighs 
are red. Most of the birds offered here are wild-caught 
adults, but tame individuals are sometimes seen, which make 
charming pets. 

There are many other handsome members of this group, 
but none is obtainable with a frequency sufficient to war- 
rant its inclusion here. 

The Tovi Parrakeet or " Beebee " (Brotogerys jugu- 
laris), of Mexico and Central America, is imported in 
greater numbers than is any other American parrakeet. It 
is a small bird, not much over six inches in length, mostly 
dark green, with a small orange spot on the chin. When 
thoroughly tame, as most specimens quickly become, it is a 
delightful pet. Although a pair will live together in friendly 
fashion, and evvice every evidence of willingness to breed, 
there is no authentic record of this feat having been accom- 
plished. 



PETS 143 

The Blue-winged or Passerine Parrotlet (Psittacula 
passcrina) , a native of Brazil, is among the smallest of the 
parrot family, not exceeding five inches in length, including 
the stumpy tail. The male is bright green, with the rump 
and much of the wing bright blue, the latter color being- 
lacking in the female. Because of the affectionate nature 
of mated pairs, this bird has come to be known as a love- 
bird, although it is not closely related to those birds, which 
occur only in Africa, and have rounded instead of pointed 
tail feathers. These tiny creatures frequently become very 
tame, and are not at all difficult to breed, even in a small 
cage, if a suitable box cr husk is provided. The chief food 
should be canary, millet and oats. 

The Gray-breasted cr Quaker Parrakeet (Myopsit- 
tacits Jiiojiachus), of southern South America, is the only 
bird of the parrot tribe which actually constructs its own 
nest. The true love-birds carry bits of bark and other soft 
material for lining their chosen cavity, ])ut the Gray- 
breasted builds itself a huge, strongly constructed dcmed 
nest, of stout twigs, carefull}' interwoven. This bird is 
about a foot in length and light green in color, with the face 
and breast soft gray. It is often to be had, and has been 
bred in this country by at least one aviculturist. 

The Ring-necked Parrakeets and their allien (Pal.eor- 
nithid.e:) are confined to the Old World. As a group 
they are not noted for their talking abilities, but the true 
Ring-necks often are talented speakers, and have a special 
bent for performing tricks. These birds are freer breeders 
than conures, and many species have been bred in captivity. 
Their feeding and general care do not differ from that 
described for the preceding group. 

The Ring-necked Parrakeets (Palaroniis) include about 
twenty-five species, their center of distribution lying in 
.southern Asia. The best known species is the Indian 




Green-cheeked Amazon Parrot 




Gray Parrot 



PETS 145 

Ring-necked Parrakeet {P. torquata). It is about six- 
teen inches long, including the narrow, tapering tail. The 
male is green in general, with a rosy collar on the hind neck, 
each extremity meeting a black band which passes backward 
from the base of the lower mandible. A second black band 
joins the e}e and nostril. The female is somewhat smaller 
and lacks the head markings. This is a freely imported 
species, and frequently learns to speak. It is easily bred, if 
given an aviary of good size. 

The Indian Ring or Alexandrine Parrakeet {P. 
ncpalensis) is the giant of the genus, measuring about 
twenty inches. Its markings are very similar to those of 
the preceding species, with the addition of a large, rosy 
patch on the wing coverts. This, or one of three other 
closely allied forms, is believed to be the bird brought to 
Europe by Alexander the Great, in the third century, b.c. 

The Banded Parrakeet (P. fasciata) has a wide range 
in southern and central Asia. It is mostly green, with gray 
head, vinaceous chest and yellowish-green wing patches. It 
has the black cheek and face stripes of the foregoing species, 
but the nuchal collar is green instead of rosy in the male. 
The upper mandible is red and the lower black, but the 
entire beak is black in the female. This bird is commonly 
confused with the very similar Javan Parrakeet (P. alex- 
andri), which is distinguished by having both mandibles 
red, in both male and female. 

Neither of these birds is active or intelligent in captivity, 
and in this country both seem difificult to acclimatize. 

The Blossom-headed Parrakeet (P. cyanocephala) is 
found in India and Ceylon. The male is of the usual green 
shade, with black mandibular stripes. The entire head is 
a rich plum red. and there is a small red mark on the wing 
coverts. The female is smaller and duller and lacks the 
red wing patch. Although not imported as frequently as 



146 PETS 

some, this bird is not uncommon here. Like most of its 
congeners, it is hardy and long-Hved. 

The King Parrakeet (Aprosniictus cyanopygius), of 
AustraHa, although not at all a common ;bird, still is to be 
had occasionally. For dazzling beauty,, coupled with ex- 
treme longevity, it has hardly an equal among parrakeets. 
The adult male has the upper parts green, with the wings 
deep blue, while the entire head, neck and underparts are 
brilliant scarlet. The female has the red confined to the 
abdomen and sides. This is a quiet, phlegmatic bird, much 
given to sedentary habits. In spite of the lack of exercise, 
however, it has a never-failing appetite, the gratification of 
which does not seem to have the ill effect on the digestive 
system common to inactive birds. 

Of the true love-birds (Agapornis), there are ten known 
species, all found in Africa or the neighboring islands. Be- 
cause of the inaccessibility of the habitat of most of the 
forms, only five species have reached the hands of avicul- 
turists, and one, the Abyssinian (A. taranta), is so rare 
as to be negligible. A short, black-banded tail, consisting 
of feathers with rounded tips, characterizes all of the species. 
They are thus easily distinguished from the New World 
Parrotlets and the Australian Grass Parrakeets or Budgeri- 
gars, which are commonly miscalled love-birds. 

Mated birds exhibit the strongest affection for each other, 
which has given rise to their popular name. It is not true, 
of course, that in case of the death of one the mate will pine 
and die. But this legend is often given strength by the 
fact that the cause which brought about the death of one 
bird is very likely to have a similar effect on the survivor. 

Love-birds are commonly kept as cage birds, and once 
acclimated, most species live very well. In an aviary, how- 
ever, they are at their best, since most individuals are too 
wild for cage life. 



PETS 147 

The Gray-headed and Black-cheeked, at least, are free 
breeders, the best receptacle being a box about 6" x 8", with 
a suitable entrance hole. Besides the Gray-breasted Par- 
rakeet, the love-birds are the only parrots known to carry 
nesting material. In this case the lining only is provided. 
The favorite material is the bark of fresh twigs, which is 
shredded off and carried to the nest, tucked among the upper 
tail coverts. 

Love-birds may be fed on the usual small seeds, with 
plenty of green food. 

The Gray-headed and Black-cheeked are perfectly hardy, 
and entirely unaffected by cold, if given shelter from wind 
and storms. 

The commonest species is the Gray-headed or Madagas- 
car Love-bird (A. cana). This bird is a native of Mada- 
gascar, but has been introduced to neighboring islands. The 
cock is green, with gray head, the latter color being lacking 
in his mate. This bird is imported in considerable num- 
bers and is one of the commonest of cage birds. 

Before April, 1908, the Black-cheeked Love-bird (A. 
nigrigc7tis) was unknown in captivity, and the five birds 
which arrived then caused a sensation. The situation, how- 
ever, was quickly altered, for in January, 1909, great quan- 
tities were received in London. Since then this bird has 
become very popular because of its handsome appearance 
and the readiness with which it breeds. It is green in the 
main, with brown crown, brownish-black cheeks, orange 
throat and red bill. There seems to be no reliable index of 
the sexes. 

The Red-faced Love-bird (A. pullaria), of West 
Africa, although once a very common cage bird, is now- 
seen with increasing infrequency. It is less hardy than the 
other species, inclined to be nervous if closely caged, and 
is a very shy breeder. 



148 PETS 

The Peach- or Rosy-faced Love-bird (A. roseicollis), 
of South Africa, is considerably larger than the foregoing. 
It has never been a common bird, but quite recently there 
have been fairly numerous arrivals. ■' "It! iS' ,9,, beautiful bird, 
soft green above, with red forehead and rosy cheeks and 
breast. The rump is bright blue and the tail variegated with 
red, green, black and blue. In the female the color on the 
breast is less extended. 

The Broad-tailed Parrakeets and their allies (Platycer- 
ciN^) include many beautiful species, the majority of 
which, although common enough in Europe, are seldom 
seen here. The subfamily is confined to the Australian 
region. 

Although most of these birds will become tame if caged, 
and some even make very good pets, they are much better 
off in a capacious aviary, where their active habits may be 
given full sway. Under such conditions, many of the 
species are free breeders, but each pair must be separately 
confined. Nesting logs or boxes of good size should be 
provided. Most Broad-tails are absolutely hardy, being 
able to endure the coldest weather if provided with some 
shelter. Their feeding does not differ from that of other 
parrakeets. 

The Broad-tails proper form the genus Platycercus, in- 
cluding some sixteen species, all found in Australia. They 
are characterized by having the feathers of the back black- 
centered, giving a scaly appearance, and all have a long, 
wide tail. 

The RosELLA Parrakeet (P. eximius) is the best known 
species. The head and breast are red, with white cheek 
patches ; the black back feathers have broad, yellow-green 
borders, while the wing coverts are blue. The tail feathers 
are blue, green and white. As in its congeners, the sexes 
are similar, but distinguishable by the smaller head and 



PETS 149 

beak of the female. This bird is imported freely, and, once 
established, is very long-lived. 

The Pale-headed or Mealy Rosella (P. pallidiceps) 
has much the same pattern as the preceding, but the red 
of the head and breast is replaced by yellow, which color 
also borders the feathers of the back. It is not so commonly 
seen as its relatives, but is often to be had. 

The Pennant Parrakeet {P. elegans) is a really lovely 
bird. It is bright red in general, with blue cheek patches 
and wing coverts ; the feathers of the back are black with 
crimson edges and the tail is blue. The plumage of the 
young birds is greenish, with the blue cheeks and wing 
coverts, the red appearing in patches. This beautiful species 
is perfectly hardy, and indifferent to cold once established. 
Unfortunately, a great percentage of the birds received here 
are infected with psittacosis, or badly infested with worms 
in the digestive tract, which makes their acclimatization a 
difficult matter. 

The only remaining member of this subfamily which 
reaches us in sufficient numbers to be regularly obtainable 
is the Undulated Grass Parrakeet, or Budgerigar 
(Melopsittacus undulatus) , the " Shell Parrakeet " of deal- 
ers. This little bird has become thoroughly domesticated 
and is bred in great numbers. It is one of the most common 
of cage birds and frequently is miscalled love-bird. 

The typical form is green, the feathers of the upper parts 
being narrowly tipped with black. The forehead, cheeks 
and throat are yellow, with a short band of blue and three 
round, black dots on each cheek. The tail is long and nar- 
row and blue in color. The sexes are similar, but may be 
known by the blue nostril and ceres of the male, as com- 
pared with the brown ones of the female. Continued breed- 
ing in captivity has produced a yellow variety which, when 
properly colored, is a very handsome bird. It is now almost 



150 PETS 

as common as the green form. Some twenty-five or thirty 
years ago a blue variety appeared, but quickly died out. In 
November, 1910, three birds of this color were exhibited at 
a bird show in London by a Belgian aviculturist, who is 
stated to have secured them in France. For a few years 
following the reappearance of the lost variety a great effort 
was made to perpetuate it. Despite all, however, it has 
gradually decreased in numbers, and seems to be about to 
disappear for the second time. 

The three color phases of the Grass Parrakeet are par- 
ticularly interesting because of the splitting up of the typical 
green into its components, blue and yellow. 

The Grass Parrakeet is a hardy species, being indifferent 
to cold if well sheltered. It breeds freely, often in the con- 
fines of a cage. If turned into a fair-sized aviary, young 
birds in considerable numbers may be expected. Several 
pairs will breed together in perfect equanimity, if there 
are a sufficient number of nesting boxes. There should be 
about six inches in each dimension, with an entrance hole 
about one and one-half inches in diameter in one side, near 
the top. A perch should be attached outside, and the bottom 
of the box must be slightly scooped out, to keep the eggs 
together, as these birds carry no nesting material. 

The food of Grass Parrakeets should be simple. Oats, 
canary and millet are best, and should be supplemented with 
plenty of green food, particularly when young are in the 
nests. 



CHAPTER X 

CAGE BIRDS 

Most of the families of the order of perching or passerine 
birds (Passeriformes) include some species which are 
suitable for cage or aviary, and it is here that the majority 
of the desirable ones are found. The great majority belong 
to the Finches, Weavers and Waxbills, Thrushes, Tanagers, 
Mynas or Jays, but there are few groups which are not 
represented. The families mentioned combine propinquity 
and hardiness, these two factors easily accounting for their 
popularity. Numerous others would rank with them if 
the habitats of their members were more accessible, for 
many birds v^^hich live well in captivity are very difficult to 
obtain. A notable example is that of the Larks. The Sky- 
lark and the Wood-lark are the only species common in 
captivity in this country, although there are a great many 
species which, if they could be obtained, no doubt would be 
equally long-lived. The progress of avicultural methods 
is rapidly developing methods of treatment which permit 
the keeping of many birds formerly considered impossible, 
and new species are being introduced yearly. 

In the following pages space will permit the considera- 
tion of the most usual cage birds only. If others should, 
by chance, come into the hands of the amateur, their care 
usually may be deduced from that recommended for similar 
species. 

Bulbuls 

The Bulbuls (Pycnontid.e) are active, noisy birds, with 
some powers of song. There are nearly three hundred 

151 



152 PETS 

species, widely distributed in Asia, the East Indies and 
Africa. In captivity they are uncommonly hardy and long- 
lived. If kept in individual cages these should be roomy 
and must be cleaned frequently. As already stated, the box- 
type cage is most suitable for the bulbuls, as well as for 
other cage birds. These birds thrive best in an aviary of 
good size, but are not to be trusted with smaller or weaker 
species. Mated pairs are especially likely to be quarrelsome. 
Bulbuls belong to the " soft-bill " group, and should be fed 
on soft food and fruit, which must be supplied daily. Most 
species are fond of live food and should have a few 'meal 
worms or other insects daily. 

A comparatively small number of the known species are 
common in captivity. The one most frequently seen is the 
White-eared Bulbul (Otocompsa leucotis), of Persia 
and India. It is earthy-brown above, with black head and 
white cheeks and ears, the lower parts are whitish and the 
under tail coverts yellow. This is said to be the bulbul 
of poetry, and some individuals are excellent singers, 
though many confine their vocal efforts to an oft-repeated 
call-note. 

The Red-eared Bulbul (O. jocosa) ranges from north- 
eastern India to China. It is somewhat similar to the pre- 
ceding, but has a pronounced crest. The white ear-patches 
are smaller and bordered above by a narrow tuft of red. 
It is thus a considerably handsomer bird than the White- 
eared, but its powers of song are not great. 

The Green Bulbuls (Chloropsis) differ greatly from the 
more typical species in both habits and appearance. From 
their feeding methods, they are frequently known as fruit- 
suckers. They are lovely birds, in every way suited for 
cage life, being brightly colored, gracefully shaped and 
gifted with some powers of song and vocal imitation. They 
live well and quickly become very tame and confiding. Their 



PETS 153 

only unhappy trait is quarrelsomeness. They are usually 
quite safe, however, in a mixed lot of birds of their own size, 
toward which they seldom exhibit pugnacity. Two cocks, 
however, and sometimes even a pair, cannot be placed to- 
gether, as they will fight to the death. 

Green Bulbuls are chiefly f rugivorous in habit and should 
be fed on soft food, with an abundant supply of such fruit 
as bananas, oranges, grapes, pears, etc. Insects should be 
furnished as freely as possible. 

The only species generally obtainable is the Golden- 
fronted Green Bulbul (Cliloropsis aurifrons), of the 
sub-Himalayan region. It is bright green in color, with 
blue shoulders. The forehead is rich orange and the cheeks 
and throat are covered by a black patch centered with blue, 
which extends to the beak. 



Babblers 

The Babblers and Jay-thrushes (Timeliid^) form a 
heterogeneous family of more than six hundred species, 
found chiefly in Asia and more sparsely in Africa and the 
Australian region. The members of this group are exceed- 
ingly diverse in appearance, but have at least one trait in 
common — great longevity in captivity. The number of 
species regularly kept by dealers is limited, although some 
are very common. 

The Jay-thrushes, or Laughing Jays, are large birds, and 
some are very handsomely marked. Many are hardy and 
able to endure low temperatures if well sheltered. They 
are too active for cage life, and should be kept in a roomy 
aviary. Although not inclined to pugnacity among them- 
selves, they may not safely be kept with smaller species. 
There is a curious habit of tickling among most of the birds 
of this group, two birds, often of the same sex, sitting side 



154 PETS 

by side and preening the feathers of the head and neck, to 
the evident enjoyment of the recipient of the attention. 
This habit is very manifest among the Jay-thrushes and 
often takes a pernicious form, many birds becoming habitual 
feather-pullers, and keeping the necks of their cage-mates 
bare of feathers. 

Jay-thrushes are almost omnivorous, and thrive on soft 
food, fruit, insects and chopped meat. The larger species 
will relish a mouse or young sparrow. 

The White-headed Jay-thrush (Garrulax leuco- 
cephalus), a native of the Himalayas, is the handsomest 
species, as well as one of the best known. It is dark brown 
in general, with a head, neck and full crest pure white, with 
the exception of a black band through the eye. It reaches 
a length of nine or ten inches. 

The White-throated Jay-thrush (G. alhogularis), 
also of the Himalayas, is more abundant in the market than 
the foregoing. It is somewhat smaller, has only the throat 
white and lacks the crest. This is one of the most persistent 
of feather-pullers, and it is almost impossible to keep two 
birds together, unless in a large, well-planted aviary, where 
there is much to distract the bird's attention. 

The Melodious Jay-thrush (Trochalopterum can- 
oruni), otherwise known as the Spectacled Thrush and 
Chinese Thrush or Mocking-bird, is a native of China. It 
is brown in general, with a white eye-ring, extended back- 
ward in a short streak. This bird is an uncommonly fine 
singer, its notes being rich and sweet. Like its relatives, it 
is long-lived in captivity, but differs from them in-its more 
gentle disposition. 

One of the most common of " soft-billed " cage birds is 
the Red-billed Hill-tIt (Liothrix luteus), variously 
known to dealers as Japanese Robin, Pekin Robin and 
Chinese Nightingale. None of these names is correct, of 



PETS 155 

course, at least as to the relationships of the bird, as it is 
not a thrush or nightingale. It inhabits the Himalayas, ex- 
tending into southwest China. It is a small bird, not much 
larger than an English Sparrow, but gorgeously colored. 
It may be roughly described as olive green above, with yel- 
lowish forehead. The secondaries are bluish-black, with 
a yellow patch at the base. There is a yellow circle around 
the eye, running into gray on the ear coverts. The throat 
is rich yellow, which gradually grows fainter, the abdomen 
being whitish. The bill is red, sometimes with a blackish 
])ase. Males generally are brighter than females, particu- 
larly on the crown ; however, this is not a constant character. 
A better one is the notes. These are a mere series of 
monotonous calls in the female, easily distinguished from 
the warbling song of the male, which ranks among the 
very best of songsters, the voice being loud, clear and 
varied. This species is very hardy in captivity, thus com- 
bining three attributes of the ideal cage bird — beauty, 
hardiness and a sweet song. It should be given soft food, 
fruit and insects, and if it is a mixed company it will often 
treat itself to a few seeds. It should not be associated in 
an aviary with breeding birds, as it has a bad reputation 
for interfering. The Hill-tit frequently builds its cup- 
shaped nests in captivity, but it is not often that young are 
reared. 

Thrushes 

The Thrushes (Turdid.^) include not only the tvpica! 
birds of this name, but a number of other forms closely 
allied to them. Many of our finest songsters are found 
here, and as most of the species thrive in captivity, it is not 
surprising that they are popular as cage birds. Of the more 
than seven hundred and fifty species, it is not possible to 
mention here more than a few of the best known. 



156 . PETS 

The Song Thrush (Turdus musicus), which is found 
throughout northern Europe, is the only spotted-breasted 
thrush which is common in captivity with us. It is a large 
bird, not much smaller than our Robin. It is olive brown 
above and pale buff below, the chest being heavily marked 
with large, triangular spots of blackish-brown. The Song 
Thrush is always to be obtained from dealers, but unfortu- 
nately these birds are almost invariably wild-caught adults, 
which are extremely nervous and difficult to tame. Hand- 
reared birds are much steadier and become quite fearless. 
The Song Thrush is an excellent singer, its notes being very 
loud and clear. The cage should be of good size and not 
less than two feet in length. If the bird is unsteady, a cloth 
top is a wise precaution. The usual soft food, fruit, insects 
and an occasional bit of meat will meet all its dietary needs. 

The European Blackbird {Turdus merida) is dis- 
tinguished from other Old World thrushes by the black 
plumage and yellow beak of the male, although there are 
several American forms which resemble it very closely. 
The female is a warm brown, with the breast slightly 
mottled. The Blackbird is a famous songster, its notes 
closely resembling those of our Robin. In captivity it is 
more philosophic than the Song Thrush, and altogether is 
a much more satisfactory cage bird. Its feeding habits are 
similar to those of the preceding species. 

The Blue Solitaire or " Glaring " (Myadestes uni- 
color) reaches New York from Mexico in considerable 
numbers. It is a dark-gray bird of medium size, with a 
white eye-ring, the plumage being very soft and thick. 
The Solitaire is a superb singer, perhaps the finest among 
birds. Its notes are clear, liquid and sustained, having a 
marked resemblance to silver chimes. It lives well in cap- 
tivity, but of course must be protected from draughts and 
cold. It is of exceedingly greedy habits, and will become 



PETS 157 

monstrously fat if its diet is not carefully regulated. Soft 
food forms the base, but fruit is the main item, and a liberal 
allowance must be furnished daily if the bird is to thrive. 

The Shama Thrush (Cittocinda tricolor) is found in 
India and Ceylon. It is a slender, graceful bird, with a 
rather small body but a long tail, which makes it appear 
larger. The male is shiny black above and on the chest, the 
rump and the tips of the outer tail feathers being white. 
The underparts are chestnut. The female, which is uncom- 
mon in captivity, is similar, but has the Ijlack replaced by 
ashy. It is an excellent singer, its song being a series of 
greatly varied phrases. It has also some powers of imita- 
tion. Although it is an exceedingly nervous bird, and sub- 
ject to sudden panics if alarmed, it quickly becomes tame 
and confiding, once it has become accustomed to its sur- 
roundings. Two birds of the same sex cannot be confined 
together, for they are very pugnacious. Soft food, with 
dried flies and ants' eggs, and a good supply of meal worms, 
will keep the Shama in health. Some individuals will eat 
fruit, while others will not touch it. 

The Nightingale {Luscinia megarJiynclia) is found 
throughout Europe and in Asia Minor. As a songster it 
needs no eulogy, but the bird itself is unknown to many. It 
is a delicate, slender creature, somewhat larger than the 
English Sparrow, rich rufus above, and the breast grayish- 
white, sometimes tinged with brownish. ■ 

Most of the few Nightingales which reach the New York 
market are wild birds, caught in the autumn. Such birds 
rarely sing. Very occasionally hand-reared birds are of- 
fered. Such specimens are generally tame and likely to 
live well, but they seldom attain the full song of their 
species, if they sing at all. The best birds are spring 
migrants, caught in full song, and before mating is much 
progressed. They will resume their song very soon after 



158 PETS 

capture, and will continue to sing throughout several months 
of each year. It must be admitted, however, that a singing 
Nightingale is a rarity, and may be valued as such. The 
Nightingale is frequently troubled with sore feet. Much of 
this difficulty may be avoided by furnishing the cage, which 
should always be of the box type, with natural twigs cov- 
ered with bark, rather than the usual ones of hard wood. 
The food must be highly insectivorous and contain an abun- 
dance of dried flies, ants' eggs, etc. Meal worms and other 
insects must be supplied constantly. If the bird will eat 
fruit, it should be furnished freely. 

Warblers 

The Old World Warblers (Sylviid^) are a numerous 
tribe, but the only species which is common as a cage bird 
on this side is the Black-cap Warbler (Syhia atricapilla). 
This is a small bird, slightly less than the English Sparrow. 
It is gray above and below, with the crown black in the 
male and rufous in the female. The male is a beautiful 
songster, held by many to compare favorably with the 
Nightingale. As a cage bird it certainly is superior to that 
species, for it is much easier to keep and is more likely to 
sing. Black-caps thrive on the usual soft food, rich in in- 
sects, with a daily allowance of meal worms. Fruit and 
berries are relished as well. Black-caps are inclined to 
over-eat, and their diet must be restricted. 

Piping Crows 

The Piping Crows '(Gymnorhina) are commonly as- 
signed to the Shrike family (Laniid^). Two species, both 
Australian, are known, the White-backed {G. hypoleuca) 
and the Black-backed (G. tibicen), each being divided 



PETS 159 

into several subspecies. The White-backed Piping Crow is 
about the size of the American Crow. It is chiefly black, 
with the nape, back, wing coverts and base of the tail white. 
The bill is long, pointed and bluish-gray in color. The 
Black-backed is somewhat smaller, and differs in having the 
back black instead of white. These birds are charming 
whistlers, their notes having a curious, instrumental quality. 
Besides the natural song, they easily learn to imitate other 
musical sounds, and may be taught to whistle tunes. Some 
individuals learn to repeat simple words. Both species are 
perfectly hardy and require no artificial heat in winter, 
so long as they are properly sheltered. While some speci- 
mens will tolerate other birds in their cage, most are less 
liberal, and promptly attack any bird which may be intro- 
duced. Soft food, chopped meat, insects, mice and spar- 
rows make a suitable diet for these birds. 



Larks 

Although the Larks (Alaudid^) include more than two 
hundred species, only two may be considered common in 
captivity in this country. The Skylark (Alauda arvcnsis) 
is the best known. It is one of the commonest cage birds 
and needs no description, its mottled sandy-brown plumage 
and long-clawed hind toe making it easily recognized. The 
Skylark sings freely when caged, but it must be said that 
its notes are not particularly pleasing under such condi- 
tions, the more natural surroundings of distance and blue 
sky being accountable for much of the bird's charm. Sky- 
larks do not perch, so such furnishings are not needed in 
the cage. This should be of the box type with a canvas top, 
to prevent injury to the lark's head in case it leaps upward. 
Lark cages usually are made with a semicircular projection 
at the front, to be floored with a piece of green sod, which 



160 PETS 

the bird enjoys picking at, and where he often stands while 
singing. Larks may be fed on soft food, insects, greens 
and an occasional pinch of seed. 

The Wood-lark {Lutlula arborea) is smaller than the 
Skylark, stands higher from the ground, and has distinct 
chestnut ear-patches which form a ready key to identifica- 
tion. The Wood-lark is less common in captivity than the 
Skylark, but still is often to be had. Unlike its terrestrial 
relative, the Wood-lark frequently perches, and its cage 
should be equipped for this purpose. This species is an 
excellent songster, but does not sing so freely in captivity 
as does the Skylark. The food of the two species is similar. 

Finches 

Of the true Finches (Fringillid^) more than one thou- 
sand species are known. Although a great diversity of 
form and plumage is seen among them, all possess a beak 
strong enough for cracking seeds, a characteristic of the 
broad group of "hard-bills." These birds are well suited 
for the attention of the budding aviculturist, as their food 
needs are easily supplied, no messy mixtures being re- 
quired. Bright plumage and cheerful songs are also in- 
cluded among their charms. All things considered, it is not 
remarkable that by far the greater part of our cage birds 
belong either to this family or to the Weavers (Ploceid^). 

The food of all these birds is much the same. The base 
should consist of canary seed, to which may be added rape, 
millet, wild weed seeds, and oats, sunflower, hemp, flax 
and poppy or maw seed, as may seem advisable. German 
aviculturists commonly feed seed-eaters on a large propor- 
tion of rape, to avoid the fattening tendency of canary. 
However, the policy of English bird-keepers, who offer a 
variety of seed to offset the canary, seems more conducive 



PETS 161 

to the health and condition of the captive. A few species 
are better for a Httle soft food, and many rehsh insects, 
fruit and berries. All require green food, which should be 
given freely, so long as it is fresh and crisp. 

Occasional specimens of many species are offered by 
our dealers at various times, but it is impossible to include 
all of them here. Nor is it feasible to attempt to enumerate 
them in their proper systematic order. For purposes of ex- 
pediency, therefore, it seems best to consider them, for once, 
in the groups to which the " trade " assigns them. 

As most of our birds reach us from Europe, it is not 
strange that the finches of that country should be imported 
in large numbers. Of these, the Goldfinch {Carduclis 
carduelis) certainly is the most brilliantly colored. It is 
brownish above, with bright red face and black nape, a white 
half collar dividing the two colors. The greater coverts 
and the bases of the black white-tipped flights are yellow. 
The tail is black and the underparts whitish tinged with 
brown. The female is usually smaller and duller, and has 
the red blaze much restricted. The Goldfinch has a wild, 
sweet song, which it gives freely once it has become accus- 
tomed to cage life. When first caged, it is inclined to be 
very wild and nervous, but quickly becomes tame. Gold- 
finches require a liberal supply of thistle, poppy and similar 
seeds, in addition to their regular diet. 

The Linnet (Acanthis cannabino) is probably the finest 
singer among the European finches, its notes being particu- 
larly rich and well modulated. The adult bird is a rich 
brown, heavily striped with a darker shade. In the male the 
crown and breast are tinged with crimson, which disappears 
at the first molt in captivity. Young birds, which are some- 
what more grayish and lack the crimson, are known as 
Gray Linnets. The Linnet is generally steadier as a cage 
bird than the Goldfinch, quickly becoming very tame. It is 



162 PETS 

particularly fond of hemp which must be fed very spar- 
ingly. 

The Bullfinch (Pyrrhula pyrrhula) is one of the most 
enchanting of cage birds. It is a soft gray above, with 
shining black cap, wings and tail. There is a white band 
over the lower back. In the male the breast is a rich rose 
color, replaced by gray in the female. The Bullfinch is a 
thick-bodied, full-breasted bird, with long, soft feathers, 
which enhance the appearance of plumpness. Even wild- 
caught adults take kindly to captivity, but the most at- 
tractive ones are those which have been reared by hand. 
These birds are exceedingly tame, and have many quaint 
habits which endear them to their owner. The Bullfinch's 
only notes in the wild state are a clear, piping call and a 
curious little squeaky song, which it delivers with much 
gusto. It is a clever imitator, however, and young birds 
are easily taught to whistle simple tunes. Training Bull- 
finches has received much attention from the Germans, who 
have acquired supremacy in the art. These trained birds 
reach New York in some numbers each autumn and are 
quickly snapped up by dealers, as has already been described. 
In Germany they are usually fed on clear rape seed, but as 
they derive no harm and much pleasure from a mixed diet, 
it seems a pity to deprive them of it. They are fond of 
sunflower seed and have a mania for hemp, which must 
be given sparingly. All sorts of fruit and berries are rel- 
ished and fresh green food should be supplied freely. 

The European Siskin (Spinus spinus) is a perky little 
bird with a rather weak and not particularly pleasant song. 
Its body is yellowish-green streaked with black. The cap 
and chin are black and the breast is yellow in the male, the 
general color being duller and the cap missing in the female. 
The Siskin becomes very tame in a cage, and will learn to 
take dainties from its owner's fingers. Like the Goldfinch, 








3 








H 



164 PETS 

it is fond of weed seeds, and these should predominate in the 
diet. 

The Greenfinch (Chloris chloris) is known to Amer- 
ican dealers as the " Green Linnet." The origin of this title 
is obscure, for the Greenfinch in no way resembles the Lin- 
net. The male is somewhat larger than the English Spar- 
row, of a general, rich olive tint, with bright yellow on the 
forehead, wing, tail and breast. The female is smaller and 
more inclined to gray than olive. The song is an insignifi- 
cant affair of three syllables. The Greenfinch should have 
the usual seed diet, with the addition of occasional live fc 1. 

The Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs) is among the com- 
monest of winter birds about the farms of northern Europe, 
and is freely imported here. The male is vinous brown in 
general, with gray head and nape and the wing coverts 
barred with black and white. The female is similar, but 
grayish instead of vinous in general tone. It is quiet and 
confident in captivity, to which it quickly becomes .> 
tomed. The song is a cheerful but rather monotonous 
repetition of several notes. In addition to the usual seeds, 
the Chaffinch should have a pinch of soft food and occa- 
sional insects. 

The Brambling {Fringilla montifringilla) , also known 
as the Mountain or Bramble Finch, is closely allied to the 
preceding and resembles it in shape. The male has a rich 
chestnut breast, and the upper parts are black, each feather 
slightly edged with chestnut. The female is much duller 
in color. The Brambling has little song, but is an attractive 
and handsome bird. Its feeding habits are those of the 
Chaffinch. 

The Yellowhammer or Yellow Bunting {Emheriza 
citrinella) is the best known representative of a genus which 
contains a great number of species that make desirable 
cage birds when they are to be obtained. The upper parts, 



PETS 165 

flanks and abdomen are rich brown with dark streaks, the 
head and upper chest l)eing yellow. The head is somewhat 
variegated with dark stripes and mottlings. The female is 
slightly duller than the male. It thrives on a diet of seeds, 
but is better for a little soft food and a few insects. 

The Singing Finches are a compact group, mostly African 
in distribution. They are closely allied to the canary, and 
frequently bear names which suggest this relationship. 

The Green Singing Finch (Scrinus icterus), known 
among dealers as " African Siskin," is considerably smaller 
tb n the common canary, but resembles it in shape. It is 
yeilow-green above, with darker streaks, while the forehead, 
superciliaries. cheeks and underparts are bright yellow. 
There is a black mustachial streak and another through the 
eye. The female is smaller and less brilliantly colored. 
This little bird is a free singer, its notes bearing a faint 
resemblance to those of the canary. It breeds well in an 
*•"•, but the cocks are very pugnacious, and will persecute 
otuer Serins if confined with them. 

The Gray Singing Finch, or " Edelsinger " (Polio- 
spi::;a Icucopygia), is ashy-brown, slightly mottled above 
and whitish below. It is slightly smaller than the preceding 
and the same sexual differences exist. It is one of the finest 
singers among the smaller finches and is less pugnacious than 
the Green Singing Finch. Both species are hardy in cap- 
tivity, and will live for many years under proper conditions. 
Their food consists of a mixture of canary, rape, millet and 
wild seeds, with plenty of greens. 

The Saffron Finch (Sycalis flavcola) is the only repre- 
s itative of its genus well known in this country. It is very 
canary-like, greenish-yellow above, streaked with blackish. 
The forehead is bright orange and the underparts are yel- 
low. The female is somewhat duller than the male, but 
otherwise is similar. The Saffron Finch is now being im- 



166 PETS 

ported from northern South America in some numbers. It 
is very easily kept, and breeds readily in an aviary. It is not 
a safe companion, however, for species smaller than itself. 

The Grassquits (Tiaris) are tiny birds, found chiefly, 
though not exclusivel}^ in the West Indies. The most fa- 
miliar species is the Melodious Grassquit (T. canora), of 
Cuba, known in England as the Cuban Finch, and among 
American dealers by the native name Toiiiogina. The male 
is green above, with the head, throat and chest black. A 
broad crescent of bright yellow passes across the throat, 
from eye to eye. The female has the black on the throat 
replaced by chestnut, and the yellow collar is less distinct 
and the breast is gray. 

The Yellow-faced Grassquit (T. olivacea olivacea), 
also of Cuba, is similar to the preceding species, but lacks 
the yellow crescent, this color being confined to a streak 
through the eye and a patch on the throat. The Mexican 
form {T. 0. piisilla) is distinguished by the extension of the 
black from the chest over the abdomen. 

When first imported, the Grassquits are exceedingly deli- 
cate, but once established are very hardy. They are harm- 
less but active little birds, and the pleasant song of the 
male is an added attraction. Grassquits breed freely in 
avaries, building a domed nest after the fashion of Wax- 
bills, or taking advantage of an artificial receptacle. 

The Cardinals are large, vigorous birds, many of which 
are brightly colored. The commonest species in captivity 
with us is the Red-crested Cardinal (Paroaria cucuUata), 
of southern South America. This is dark gray above and 
white below. The strongly crested head, as well as the 
cheeks -and throat, are bright red. It makes an, engaging 
cage bird, as it lives well and becomes fairly tame. The 
song is not especially pleasing, but at least is cheerful. It 
has rather a bad reputation for spite fulness, and should 



PETS 167 

not be trusted in the company of smaller or weaker species. 
The usual seeds form its diet, but as it is inclined to obesity, 
it must not be fed too liberally. 

The Red-headed Cardinal {Paroaria larvata) is a na- 
tive of Brazil. It is gray above, the feathers edged with 
black. The head and throat are red and the underparts 
white. The head is not crested, as in the preceding species. 
This bird is somewhat less quarrelsome than the Red- 
crested and a slightly better singer, otherwise there is not 
much choice between them. 



Tanagers. 

The Tanagers (Tanagrid^) are exclusively South Am- 
erican. Among their numbers they include many beautiful 
species which make excellent cage birds. Unfortunately, 
however, none of them is at all common in the market 
here, and it is only on very rare occasions that any species 
is obtainable. But since exceptions do sometimes occur, 
a few words concerning them may not be amiss. The 
Tanagers which occasionally reach us fall naturally into 
three groups : the Euphonias ( Tanagra), the Callistes ( Tan- 
gara) and the larger species (Thraiipis and allies). The 
Euphonias are mostly little bluish-black fellows, with yel- 
low crown and underparts. The Callistes are about the size 
of the English Sparrow and remarkable for the great variety 
of their brilliant plumage. The larger Tanagers include the 
Silver-beaks (RanipJwcccliis) and the Blue {Thraiipis 
cana) and the Palm Tanager (T. palmarum), the latter 
two being offered less infrequently than most of the others. 
The Tanagers are chiefly fruit-eaters, and their diet must 
include a generous quantity of ripe fruits, such as bananas, 
oranges, soft pears, grapes, etc. It is best to sprinkle the 
fruit with soft food, as otherwise many will never touch the 



168 PETS 

latter, and an exclusive fruit diet is not sufficient to keep 
them in health. A few will eat meal worms, which should be 
given to such as will take them. Tanagers are sensitive to 
cold and draught, but if kept in tight box cages^ and well 
cared for they live for long periods. 

Weavers 

The Weavers (Ploceid.e) contain a great number of 
species which are freely imported, their brilliant plumage 
and hardiness in captivity making them popular as cage 
birds. For ease in presentation, they are best taken in the 
sub-groups into which they naturally fall, the Whydahs, 
the typical Weavers, the Waxbills and the Mannikins and 
Grassfinches. 

Among the Whydahs, all of which are African, the males 
generally are chiefly black with long, flowing tails in most 
species, which make them wonderfully graceful when on the 
wing. The females are brown and sparrow-like in appear- 
ance, the males assuming a similar plumage during the 
winter months. Whydahs make good cage birds, but are at 
their best in an aviary, where their beautiful flight is seen 
to the best advantage. A few species have been bred in cap- 
tivity, the nest being dome-shaped and usually close to the 
ground. Whydahs may be fed with the usual seed, white 
millet being a particular favorite. A little soft food and a 
few meal worms are useful, particularly during the molt. 

The Paradise Whydah (Stegonura paradisea) is the 
best known species. The male is black in general, with a 
nuchal collar and the upper breast chestnut, fading to whit- 
ish on the abdomen. The lower back is white. The hen is 
of the usual inconspicuous, brownish color. The tail of 
the male is long and full, sometimes reaching a length of a 
foot, although the bird itself is no larger than a sparrow. 



PETS 169 

Most individuals are quiet and harmless, and may safely be 
associated with smaller species. 

The Giant Whydah {Diatropura prognc) is the largest 
of the group. It is a superb bird, almost entirely black, 
with an orange patch on the wings, the feathers of which 
are edged with buff. The tail feathers are narrow and 
pointed, and reach a length of eighteen inches. The species 
is very striking when in flight. Unfortunately, it is very 
seldom obtainable. 

The Pin-tailed Whydah {Vidua scrcna) is much 
smaller than either of the preceding. When in color, the 
male is black above, with a collar around the neck and the 
underparts white. The beak is bright red. The elongated 
tail feathers, which usually are four in number, are straight 
and narrow, often reaching a length of ten inches, giving 
a curious appearance to the tiny bird. Most Pin-tails are 
well disposed toward their cage-mates, but occasional indi- 
viduals are met with which temperamentally are quite the 
reverse. 

The CoMBAsou (HypocJuvra chalyhcata) is commonly 
included among the Grassfinches, but it seems best to treat 
it among the Whydahs. It lacks the long tail of these 
birds, but it has the eclipse plumage, which is not seen among 
the Grassfinches. The male, in color, is black with bluish 
iridescence, the bill being white and the legs pink. The 
female is the usual brownish. Several closely allied species 
are not distinguished by dealers. It is a quiet little bird, not 
inclined to be quarrelsome, and Usually is long-lived in 
captivity. 

The typical Weavers, of which all of the common species 
are confined to Africa, give second place to none in point 
of beauty and hardiness. Song they cannot boast of and 
their dispositions are not of the sweetest, but brilliant plum- 
age they undeniably possess. As in the Whydah, the males 



170 PETS 

assume during the winter the dull brownish plumage of the 
female. 

The nests of Weavers are wonderful affairs, usually 
pendulous, finely and intricately woven of soft materials, 
such as grass, hay, bark fiber, etc. Like the Whydahs, these 
birds live well enough in a cage, but are much better in an 
aviary, where they may have more room to flit about. 
Several males in such an enclosure will decorate the branches 
with innumerable nests, at which they work incessantly. For 
nesting materials, there is nothing superior to raffia or bast, 
sold by all dealers in florists' supplies, at about twenty-five 
cents per pound. In spite of this nest-building propensity, 
it is seldom indeed that Weavers are successfully bred in 
captivity. 

Weavers are notorious for their habits of persecuting 
smaller birds, and should never be caged with them. A 
diet of seeds, with a little soft food and a few insects dur- 
ing the molt, will keep them in health. 

Of the orange and black species, three are well known in 
confinement. The Grenadier Weaver (Pyromelana orix) 
is the largest. The male is reddish-orange in general, with 
the head and throat black, as is the abdomen. The tail and 
wings are blackish. The Crimson-crowned Weaver (P. 
Hammiceps) is similar, but has the crown orange instead 
of black, the latter color being confined to a patch surround- 
ing the eye and covering the cheek and another on the throat. 
The Orange Weaver (P. franciscana) is the smallest of 
the three. It has the crown and cheeks black, but the chin 
and throat are orange. These three species are not dis- 
tinguished by dealers, and are sold indiscriminately as 
" Orange Bishops." 

Two yellow and black species are equally common. The 
male Napoleon Weaver (P. afra) is chiefly bright yellow, 
with cheeks, throat and lower abdomen black. The wings 



PETS 171 

and tail are brownish. The Taha Weaver (P. taJia) once 
was rare in captivity, but during recent years has become 
even more abundant with us than the Napoleon. This 
species differs from its congener in having the entire under- 
parts black, not divided by a yellow pectoral band. 

The Red-billed Weaver {Quclca quclca) is a commonly 
imported species. The head of the male, with the excep- 
tion of the black cheeks and throat, is rosy pink, which 
extends to the chest and abdomen. The back, wings and 
tail are brownhsh, and the bill is bright red. Russ' Weaver 
(0. riissi) is similar, but has the facial mark whitish instead 
of black. This bird is considered by rhany to be merely a 
variation of the typical form. 

The Madagascar Weaver {Foudia inadagascaricnsis) 
is black above in the male, the feathers of the back being 
edged with bright scarlet and the head, neck and breast 
entirely of this hue. When in full color it is one of the 
handsomest of the weavers. It exceeds the others, if pos- 
sible, in pugnacity, and cannot be caged with smaller birds. 

The Masked Weavers {Hy pliant or nis and Sitagra) are 
yellow or dive in general, with black markings about the 
head and throat. There are a numlier of species, none of 
which is al)undant here. As they are less handsome than 
most of the weavers, and no better natured, they are not 
particularly popular among bird-keepers. 

The Waxbills include some of the smallest and most beau- 
tifully colored of cage birds. Their songs, which are almost 
negligible, nevertheless are delivered wath a will, and their 
dainty manners and soft, harmonious shades endear them 
to all. With the exception of the Strawberry Finch, which 
comes from India, all of the common species are African. 

Unlike the Whydahs and Weavers, the Waxbills do not 
have an eclipse plumage, retaining the same colors through- 
out the year, the Strawberry Finch being the single excep- 



172 PETS 

tion. In some species male and female are easily distin- 
guished, in others sexual distinctions are difficult. 

Waxbills will thrive at liberty in an aviary, once they 
have become acclimatized, but of course must have heat 
during the winter months. They are seldom quarrelsome 
and many bird-keepers make a practice of grouping them in 
large brass cages of the usual open type, where, if not over- 
crowded, they seem to do very well. If too many are placed 
together, they very often form the habit of plucking the 
feathers from each other's heads, so that they make a for- 
lorn appearance. It is much safer, however, to have the 
cage partly enclosed, even if in a well-heated room, as 
draughts are always likely to occur. If only a single pair 
or so are kept, they will be better in a box cage, where they 
will have ample protection. 

Many Waxbills will nest in aviaries or even in cages. 
For the purpose small boxes or other receptacles, enclosed 
on all sides and with a small entrance hole, may be provided. 
These the little creatures will fill with nesting material, such 
as hay, feathers, cotton, hair, etc. Twine is not desirable, 
as the birds' legs are likely to become entangled. When 
completed, the nest may be used not only for its legitimate 
purpose, but as a sleeping-chamber as well. Incubation with 
most species requires about twelve days, and the young are 
fed by the parents, chiefly by regurgitation from the crop. 
Plenty of green food should be provided at that time, also 
seeding grasses, small insects and a little soft food, which 
most species will take. 

When first received Waxbills are very likely to be deli- 
cate. They must be kept carefully enclosed in cages, and 
watched closely for some time, until their owner is assured 
that they are in good condition. It is of great importance 
that the supply of sand to newly imported Waxbills and 
other small finches as well be restricted. Such birds are 



PETS 173 

shipped and kept by dealers, ordinarily without sand, and 
if given sudden access to an unlimited supply will fill their 
tiny gizzards to the bursting point, with fatal results. Sand 
should be introduced in pinches for the first few days until 
the craving for grit has been assuaged. 

The staple food of Waxbills is white millet, to which may 
be added yellow millet, canary and wild seeds. Spray millet 
and seeding grasses are greatly appreciated and green food 
should always be furnished. Many species will eat insects, 
and a small quantity of soft food is beneficial to most. 

The male Fire Finch (Lagonosticta ininiiua) is a beau- 
tiful atom, mostly rosy crimson, the back washed with 
])rown and the tail black. The sides of the breast have a 
few tiny spots of white. The female is more brown, tinged 
here and there with crimson. This little bird is one of the 
most delicate in captivity, being very hard to establish. 
Even then the greatest care is required to keep it in 
health. 

The Lavender Waxbill (Lagonosticta carrnlcscens) is 
known to dealers as the " Gray-blue Finch." The sexes are 
similar, the color being a soft gray, with black tail, abdomen 
and facial band. The upper tail coverts and the two middle 
tail feathers are red. This lovely little bird has almost as 
bad a reputation as the Fire Finch for delicacy, but once 
acclimatized it lives fairly well. 

The Strawberry Finch or " Avadavate " {Sporccgin- 
tJius ainandava) is found in India and Cochin-China. It is 
an exceedingly common bird in the market and is deservedly 
popular. The male is orange-red, with wings and tail black. 
The wing coverts and underparts are spotted with white. 
The female is brown above and pale bufif below, with simi- 
lar white spots. The male certainly assumes partial or 
full female plumage at times, but whether or not this takes 
place at stated seasons has not been worked out. Although 




Diamond Finch 
Giant Whydah 



European Jay 

Gray Java Sparrow 



PETS 175 

one of the smallest of Waxbills, this bird is extremely hardy 
and lives in confinement for long periods. 

The Orange-cheeked Wax bill (SporccginfJiiis mcl- 
podus) has been introduced into Porto Rico, where it is 
found in some numbers. It is brownish-gray above and pale 
gray below. The cheeks are orange, and a small space in 
front of the eye and also the upper tail coverts are crimson. 
The female is slightly smaller and duller than the male. 
This species is not so hardy as some, but lives well under 
proper conditions. 

The Golden-breasted or Zebra Waxbill {Sporccgin- 
thus subflaz'iis) is one of the smallest of the group. The male 
is brownish above, with the underparts yellow, with a tinge 
of orange on the breast. The flanks are gray with white 
bars, and a stripe through the eye and also the beak are 
scarlet. The female is smaller and much less brightly 
colored. This is one of the hardier species, and once 
acclimatized will live for several years. 

The Cordon Bleu or Crimson-eared Waxbill (Estrilda 
phamicoHs) is one of the most lovely of the Waxbills, but 
when first imported must be ranked among the more delicate. 
It is a soft grayish-brown, with the lower back, tail, cheeks 
and breast pale blue. The male has a crimson patch on the 
ears, which is wanting in his mate. The Blue-breasted 
Waxbill {E. angolcnsis) is similar, but the male lacks the 
crimson near-patch, and the blue is slightly brighter. 

The Common Waxbill {Estrilda cincrca) is a pale 
brownish-gray throughout, the feathers with almost indis- 
tinguishable dark bars. There is a red streak through the 
eye, and a patch of this color on the abdomen. The St. 
Helena Waxbill {E. astrilda) is similar, but slightly 
larger, and the dark bars are easily discernible. Like most 
of the Waxbills, these species are delicate at first, but are 
not difficult to keep once they are acclimatized. 



176 PETS 

The Mannikins and Grassfinches are larger, stouter 
birds than the Waxbills, and as a rule have heavier beaks. 
The same general rules for care and treatment apply to 
both groups, but the present birds average much hardier 
than the more dehcate Waxbills. 

The Bronze Mannikin (Spermestes cucullata) is one 
of the smallest of the group. It is brown above, blacker 
on the head, but fading to white, with dark bars on the 
lower back. The wings and tail are blackish and there is 
a metallic green band on the wing coverts. The cheeks, 
throat and chest are bronzy, and the abdomen is white, 
barred at the side with black. The female is usually 
smaller and duller. This is a long-lived and even-tempered 
bird, but frequently is addicted to feather-plucking. 

The Magpie Mannikin {Amaiiresthes fringilloides) is 
very similar to the preceding, differing in a few minor 
points of color. It is almost twice as large, however, and 
has a much heavier beak. Both species are African. Some 
individual Magpie Mannikins are pugnacious and are un- 
safe with small Waxbills, etc. 

The CuT-THROAT Finch {Amadina fasciata) is a well- 
known and popular cage bird. It is of a brownish cast, the 
feathers barred with black. There are a few white spots 
on the lower breast and abdomen. The cock is distin- 
guished by a red band across the throat. The name has 
a bloodthirsty sound, which is not entirely deserved, al- 
though the bird is not really safe with smaller species. 

The Red-headed Finch {Amadina erythrocepJiala) is 
known to American dealers as the " Amadine Finch." It 
is a larger bird than the preceding, and, like it, comes from 
Africa. It is brown above and paler below, where the 
feathers have darker bars. The male has the head dark 
red, which distinguishes him from his mate. 

The Diamond or Spotted-sided Finch {Steganopleura 



PETS 177 

guttata), of Australia, is a pretty and attractive species. It 
is pale gray above, with the tail black and lower back 
bright red. The underparts are pure white, with a narrow 
black band across the chest. This band extends backward 
along the flanks, where it is heavily spotted with white. 
The bird is imported only occasionally, but is sometimes 
to be had. It is harmless and hardy. 

The Zebra Finch {Tcrniopygia castanotis) is the most 
common of the Australian finches in captivity. The male 
is gray above, shading to white on the upper tail coverts, 
which are barred with black. The tail is of the latter color. 
There is a large chestnut patch on each ear. The throat and 
chest are gray, banded with black. The center of the 
abdomen is white, while the flanks are chestnut with white 
spots. The female lacks the ear-patches, the bars on the 
chest and the chestnut flanks. The species is easily bred in 
cage or aviary, and as it is very docile and easily kept, 
it is an excellent subject for the experiments of the tyro. 

The Java Sparrow (Munia orizivora) apparently is a 
native of Java, Sumatra and Malacca, but has been widely 
introduced elsewhere. It is a large, powerful bird about 
the size of the English Sparrow. It is gray in general, with 
a vinous tinge on the underparts. The tail, head and chin 
are black, and there is a large, white spot on each cheek. 
The heavy bill is rose pink. The female is somewhat 
smaller in body and beak than the male. A white form, 
said to have been produced by the Japanese, is bred in cap- 
tivity. The song of the Java Sparrow is rather pleasing, 
and no bird could be kept in good condition with less 
trouble. It breeds readily in confinement, in either cage 
or aviary, provided captivity-bred birds are used. It is 
best kept with birds of its own size and strength, as it is 
not trustworthy with smaller species. Oats are a valuable 
addition to the diet. 



178 PETS 

The Three-colored Mannikin (Mimia malacca) 
comes from southern India and Ceylon. The upper parts 
are chestnut, the head, breast and center of the abdomen 
are black, and the remainder of the underparts are white. 
The Black-headed Mannikin (M. atricapilla) is simi- 
lar, but lacks the white. 

The White-headed Mannikin (Munia maja), of the 
Sunda Islands, has the head white, shading to buff and 
then to chestnut, which covers most of the upper parts. 
The central tail feathers are rufous and the abdomen black. 

The Spice Mannikin {Munia punctulata) is another 
Indian species. It is chocolate above and on the chest, the 
abdomen being white with black edgings. 

All of the Mannikins, which are known among dealers 
as " Nuns," are hardy and easily kept in captivity. They 
are always in good condition, the only trouble being with 
the claws, which require frequent trimming. The sexes 
are usually difficult to distinguish, but if two birds are 
carefully compared, the shape and size of the beak will 
often furnish a clue, that of the male being heavier than 
that of his mate. 

The African Silver-bill (Aidemosyne cantans) is 
light brown above and slightly paler below, the wings and 
tail being black and the abdomen white. The Indian 
Silver-bill (A. malaharica) is pale brown above and 
nearly white below. The lower back is white, furnishing 
a good distinguishing mark, and the wings and tail are 
black. The females of both species are somewhat smaller 
and duller than the males. The Silver-bills are dull-colored 
little birds, but they have rather pleasing songs. They 
are quiet in demeanor and easily kept. 

The Bengalee or " Japanese Nun " is a domesticated 
breed, produced by crossing the species of Uroloncha, but 
just which is veiled in mystery. The Japanese are given 



PETS 179 

credit for developing the three forms in which they occur : 
dark brown and white, fawn and white and pure white. 
Being entirely cage-bred, the Bengalees are eminently 
happy under such conditions. The cock has a squeaky 
song, which he delivers with ludicrous ostentation. Ben- 
galees are easily bred in a cage. If a nest is provided, the 
birds will generally sleep in it at night, instead of perch- 
ing after the usual fashion. 

The Red-tailed Finch or Star Finch {Bathilda rufi- 
cauda), like most other Australian species, is a very pretty 
little bird. It is olive above, the tail dull red and the fore- 
head, cheeks, chin and beak crimson. The under surface 
is slightly paler and thickly spotted with white. The fe- 
male is somewhat duller than her mate. The species lives 
well, and is not difficult to breed in an aviary. 

The Grassfinches (Pocphila) include three species, all 
Australian, which are common in captivity here. The 
Common Grassfinch or Parson Finch (P. cincta) is 
brownish above, slightly paler below. The head is gray, 
while the beak, tail, a band on the flanks and a large round 
spot on the throat are black. The Long-tailed Grass- 
finch (P. acuticauda) is similar, but has the middle tail 
feathers lengthened and terminating in a pointed filament. 
The beak in this species is yellow. The sexes in these two 
forms are sometimes distinguishable by the size of the black 
throat patch, which generally is larger in the male. The 
Masked Grassfinch (P. pcrsonata) has the beak yellow, 
as in the Long-tailed Grassfinch, but lacks the long fila- 
ments of the tail. The head is brown like the back, and the 
black about the head is restricted to the base of the beak. 
These attractive little birds are easily kept, and seem al- 
ways to be in good condition, their plumage having a soft, 
silky appearance. They are not difficult to breed, but are 
inclined to be quarrelsome. 



180 PETS 

The Gouldian Finches, which also belong to Poephila, 
are among the most brilliantly colored of cage birds. The 
bright hues of their plumage have made them in great de- 
mand among aviculturists since their introduction from 
Australia, which appears to have occurred about 1885. 
The Black-faced Gouldian Finch {P. gouldicc) is green 
above, with the lower back pale blue and the tail black. 
The head and throat are black, the breast is purple and the 
abdomen is yellow. The Red-faced Gouldian Finch {P. 
mirabilis) is similar to the preceding, but has the head 
bright red. The middle tail feathers are lengthened and 
tapering. The females of both forms are distinguished by 
the much paler shade of purple on the breast. The female 
Red-faced seldom has the head clear red, much black gen- 
erally being intermixed. It seems probable that these two 
birds are simply phases of the same species, as they inter- 
breed freely both in the wild state and in captivity. There 
is also a yellow-faced form, which is so rare as to be seen 
but seldom. 

Gouldian Finches are exceedingly delicate when first im- 
ported. Like all small finches, they must be given little 
grit at first, and protected from cold and draught. As 
they become acclimatized, they increase in hardiness, but 
even then cannot be considered as entirely safe. Under 
ordinary circumstances, Gouldian Finches live best in box 
cages, where they may receive individual attention. Thor- 
oughly hardened birds will thrive in an outdoor aviary 
during the summer. Under such conditions, they have 
been bred freely in England, but no one on this side ap- 
pears to have been successful with them, although at least 
one aviculturist has had young hatched. 



PETS 181 

Troupials 

The family of American Orioles and Troupials (Ic- 
TERID.E) includes a number of native North American 
birds, such as the Baltimore and Orchard Orioles, the Bob- 
clink, Cowbird and Redwing. The keeping of these 
species, however, is prohibited by law. and the only exotic 
form which is freely imported is the common Troupial 
(Icterus icterus), of Colombia and Venezuela. It is orange 
in general, with the head and neck, middle of the back, 
wings and tail black. The lesser coverts are yellow, and the 
middle coverts and edges of the secondaries are white, form- 
ing a large patch. The sexes are similar, but the female 
is slightly the smaller. At the first molt in captivity, 
the orange is replaced by lemon-yellow. The Brazilian 
Troupial (/. jainacaii) is similar to the preceding, but 
has the wing coverts black instead of white. 

The Troupial is an ideal cage bird, becoming very tame 
and learning to deliver its clear, whistling notes at com- 
mand. It is not safe, however, with small birds, and 
most individuals will promptly kill anything weaker than 
themselves. Troupials should be kept in large, roomy 
cages of the box type, and fed on soft food, with an abun- 
dance of ripe fruit, such as bananas, oranges and pears, 
and occasional meal worms. 

Starlings 

The Starlings and Starling-like Mynas (Sturnid.e) are 
practically confined to Europe, Asia and the East Indies, 
a single species being known from Africa. There are about 
sixty forms, of which comparatively few are common in 
captivity in this country. No group of birds is hardier 
in captivity than this, many individuals living for a great 
number of years. Although not so gifted as the Hill 



182 PETS 

Mynas (Eulabes), some members of this family make good 
talkers. Starlings will live in cages, but as they are exceed- 
ingly dirty under such conditions, their quarters should be as 
roomy as possible. Most of the species cannot be trusted 
with weaker cage-mates. Starlings are almost omnivorous 
in feeding habits, and will thrive on soft food, fruit of 
all sorts, insects and an occasional scrap of meat. 

The European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) is, of 
course, only too well known in this country. Introduced in 
New York in 1890, the bird has spread amazingly, and 
forms a serious menace to our already decreasing native 
frugivorous and insectivorous species. Because of this fact, 
many states which formerly protected the starling now have 
added it to the list of renegades which are o'Jtside the pale. 
This change brings a modicum of comfort to the bird- 
keeper, for the starling, villain as he is, is a most interest- 
ing pet. His speckled plumage, glossed with violet and 
green, must be seen at close quarters to be appreciated, and 
his confiding tameness is engaging. Hand-reared birds 
sometimes learn to repeat simple words. 

Of the numerous starling-like Mynas stray specimens of 
several species are occasionally seen, but the only one which 
is really well known is the Common Myna (Acridotheres 
tristis), of India and Burma. It is about double the size of 
the starling, dark brown above, with the head, neck and 
breast black. The base of the primaries and their coverts, 
as well as the tips of the outer tail feathers, are white. The 
beak and a bare space behind the eye are yellow. Young 
specimens of this species often learn to speak very well. 

Hill Mynas 

The family of Glossy Starlings (Eulabetid^) is well 
distributed in the Old World, Asia, Africa, Australia and 



PETS 183 

the East Indies all possessing representatives. Of the Glossy 
Starlings proper, no species is sufficiently common in the 
market to warrant its inclusion here. But the Hill Mynas 
(Eulabcs) , commonly miscalled " Minors," are well-known 
cage birds, and a few words concerning them will not be 
amiss. Eleven forms of this genus are recognized, of which 
three are about equally well known here. All are glossy 
black in color, with a white patch on the primary feathers 
of the wing. The heavy bill is orange-yellow. On the nape, 
at each side, is a horseshoe-shaped flap of skin, yellow in 
color, with the ends pointing forward. The outer extremity 
of each flap joins a bare space behind the eye. 

The Lesser Hill Myna (E. rcligiosa), of southern India 
and Ceylon, is little larger than the European Blackbird. 
The lappets are well developed and crinkly, and the bill is 
comparatively slender. The Greater Hill Myna (E. in- 
termedia), which ranges from central India to Cochin- 
China, is larger than the preceding, but does not reach such 
large proportions as does the Javan Hill Myna {E. java- 
nensis), of Burma and the Sunda Islands. The best point 
of distinction between the latter two species lies in the lap- 
pets, which form something like a right angle with the 
ear-patches on each side. The third side of this angle is 
closed with bare skin in the Greater Hill Myna and open 
in the Javan. These three species, which are readily sepa- 
rated, are seldom distinguished by dealers. 

All of the Hill Mynas are gifted mimics and young birds 
often make excellent talkers, enunciating as distinctly as 
the best parrots. They are not cleanly birds, and the cage 
should be as large as possible. It is unnecessary to say that 
they cannot be kept with small birds. Hill Mynas are notori- 
ous gluttons and their food, which consists of a soft mixture, 
fruit, berries and insects, must be given in limited quantities. 



184 PETS 

Crows, Jays and Magpies 

The Crow Family (Corvid^) is one in which the Amer- 
icas are particularly rich. Unfortunately, most of our own 
species may not legally be kept in captivity, while tropical 
forms are seldom available. The Old World also contains 
a great number of corvine birds, many of which are seen 
on occasion, but only a very few are imported so frequently 
as to be readily obtainable. 

None of the birds of this group is really suitable for 
cage life. They should be given the run of a good-sized 
aviary, where they can have sufficient space to keep them in 
good condition. Hand-reared specimens remain very tame 
and often learn to speak a few words. The practice, which 
once prevailed, of slitting the tongue, with the idea of 
facilitating speech, is as inefficient as it is barbaric. Crows 
and Jays are especially subject to colds and roup, and al- 
though the northern species can endure unlimited cold, con- 
tinued exposure to dampness is certain eventually to prove 
fatal. No bird of this family should ever be trusted with 
anything smaller or weaker than itself. Crows and Jays 
are not very particular as to what they eat, hardly any- 
thing edible being amiss. Some sort of coarse, soft food, 
with rice, bread, biscuit, raw or slightly cooked meat, in- 
sects and occasional young birds and mice, will provide a 
well-varied menu. 

The American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchus) and its 
various forms are the pets of boyhood wherever they are 
found. Unfortunate, indeed, is the child whose environ- 
ment has never included a young crow ! Easily obtained 
and almost as easily reared, no bird could better meet the 
demands of the youthful pet-lover. If taken from the nest 
when half grown, crows are easily brought up on meat 
(preferably partly cooked), bread or biscuit crumbs, eggs, 



PETS 185 

earthworms, etc. If it is not desired to cage the pet, it may 
be given its hberty. full-winged or clipped, and it will sel- 
dom stray. Crows not infrequently croak a word or two, 
but they seldom do more. 

The Jackdaw (CoIocus nioncdula) is the only European 
Crow-like bird which is commonly imported here. It is 
smaller than the American crow, black in color, with gray 
nape and white eyes. Pure albinos, most of which come 
from Austria, are imported in some numbers each autumn, 
and are very attractive when given space enough to keep 
themselves clean. 

The European Magpie {Pica pica pica) differs from the 
American bird (P. p. hudsonica), chiefly in its smaller size, 
and is too well known to require description. With its 
striking black and white plumage and long tail, it is a grace- 
ful and ornamental species. Young birds readily learn to 
speak a little and gifted individuals often are able to repeat 
sentences of several words. 

The European Jay {Garruhis glandarius) is consider- 
ably larger than our Blue Jay. It is gray, tinged with 
vinous, in general color, with the forehead white, streaked 
with black. There is a mustache of black, the tail and 
wings being mostly of the same color. Many of the wing 
coverts are beautifully barred with cobalt and black. The 
Jay is a handsome, active bird, and frequently more than 
an indifferent talker. 



CHAPTER XI 

CANARIES 

When the first little dull-colored wild canaries were taken 
to Europe from the Canary Islands, who could have fore- 
told that their descendants would brighten the homes of the 
world ? Who can say why this bird, instead of other Euro- 
pean finches, was cultivated and developed to fit it for the 
place it now occupies in the hearts of men? The Goldfinch 
and the Linnet both are better singers than the wild canary. 
The Serin Finch which inhabits southern Europe and even 
Germany sings at least as well as its island relative, and 
was much more readily obtained by early breeders. The 
charm of the exotic may have something to do with it, but 
perhaps the little olive bird, like the Jungle Fowl and the 
Mallard Duck, had the happy faculty of thriving in cap- 
tivity, only waiting for the opportunity to arrive. At any 
rate the canary, more than any other small bird, has been 
bred and modified in captivity, almost out of all resemblance 
to its original self. 

The Wild Canary (Serinits canarius) is smaller than the 
ordinary domestic bird. It is ashy-olive above, the feathers 
with dark central streaks. The forehead, breast and rump 
are greenish-yellow, and wings and tail are washed with 
the same color. The sides of the breast are gray with dark 
stripes, while the abdomen is white. The female is slightly 
duller than the male. The Serin Finch (Serinus serinus), 
which is often miscalled the Wild Canary, is considerably 
smaller, and has the yellow of the breast much brighter 
and more thickly streaked with black. It has been suggested 
that the modern canary might have originated from a cross 

186 



PETS 187 

between these two species, but there is no evidence to sup- 
port the claim. 

The Wild Canary is still abundant in its habitat, the 
Canaries, the Azores and Madeira, isolated islands in the 
eastern Atlantic. They are caught and kept as cage birds 
by the inhabitants, but seldom reach the outside market. 

Som.e time during the sixteenth century,* Wild Canaries 
appear to have been taken to Europe with cargoes of sugar, 
the sweetness of their song and their foreign derivation 
bringing them great popularity. It is probable that serious 
breeding did not commence for some time, but that it did 
finally take place we have the best possible proof. It must 
have been many years before any great change in song w^as 
noticeable ; it is probable that color varieties were more 
easily obtained. As suggested by Dr. A. R. Galloway, t 
cinnamon mutants, or " sports," which are of frequent oc- 
currence among most European finches in the wild state, no 
doubt appeared among the caged canaries. Inbreeding 
would quickly establish the new color, and once firmly fixed, 
this might readily lead to the occurrence of yellow. 

Song, however, was the main attraction for the Ger- 
mans, who seem to have been the first breeders of canaries, 
and it was not until the birds reached England that the 
great possibilities of variation in form and color were made 
the most of. To this day, English birds excel in these char- 
acters, while the German birds are unrivaled singers. 

Every one knows that the canary is almost ubiquitous in 
America, but its derivation is not a matter of common 
knowledge. Practically all of the birds ofifered for sale in 
the bird stores throughout the country are reared by the 
peasants of Germany. The great majority come from the 
Hartz Mountains, w-here canary breeding is a leading indus- 

* Willoughby's Ornithology , 1676. 

t Canaries, Hybrids and British Birds, p. 20. 



188 PETS 

try. The village of St. Andreasburg has become famous as 
the original home of the sweet-voiced Roller, but now 
both this specialized bird and the common one are bred 
throughout this region. 

The handling of the birds is a business of considerable 
magnitude. Most of it is controlled by two or three New 
York firms, the largest of which handles, under normal 
conditions, about two hundred and fifty thousand canaries 
yearly. At the close of the breeding season in Germany, 
expert buyers go about among the peasants and secure 
the birds, many being contracted for in advance. They are 
concentrated at suitable points and shipped to New York, 
in lots of thousands, in charge of experienced men, who 
spend their entire lives in this branch of the work. 

Each bird is placed in a small wooden cage, measuring 
about five inches wide by six inches long and high. Seven 
cages are strung on a narrow strip of wood, each unit of 
seven being known as a " stick," or " row." The cages are 
placed in large frames with wooden back and bottom, and 
tightly wrapped in canvas during transshipment. 

When the canaries reach New York, the cages are placed 
one above the other in great tiers, and the birds graded ac- 
cording to song. They are then ready for shipment to 
the thousands of retail dealers who sell them to their final 
owners. 

General Care 

The canary is a hardy bird, inured to captivity and able 
to endure a great deal. If this were otherwise, it would 
be less numerous, for no bird is regularly subjected to worse 
mistreatment. But its ability to exist under the most ad- 
verse conditions should not be imposed upon, for endurance 
has its limits. The canary thrives in an open brass cage, 
and is commonly so kept in this country. The box cage 



PETS 189 

is infinitely better, but the brass canary cage is an American 
institution, which is too firmly established to be uprooted. 

If the open cage is used, some precautions must be taken 
as to its position. Sunlight and fresh air are necessary to 
the health of the bird, but draughts must be avoided, so the 
cage must not be placed in an open window. Many persons 
cover the cage at night with a cloth. If the room is 
draughty, this is really necessary, but ordinarily the bird will 
be healthier and freer from colds if it is not coddled in this 
way. 

Canaries are bred in small cages and room for flight 
is not necessary for their happiness. The individual cage, 
however, should not be less than twelve inches in each dimen- 
sion, if the bird is to have space for ordinary exercise. 

The perches should be round and thin to allow the bird to 
clasp them firmly. Perches of varying thickness of¥er a 
welcome change. Perches oval in section are sometimes 
used, but as a "iDird's foot is fashioned for automatically 
grasping a round stick this shape is best suited to its needs. 

The bottom of the cage should be kept sprinkled with 
clean sand or bird gravel, which may be renewed frequently. 
Graveled paper is to be had from dealers, but it seems un- 
fair to provoke the bird with needed grit which it can 
secure only after a struggle. A healthy canary will never 
eat more gravel than its ^^elfare demands. 

German birds are fed chiefly on rape seed, with a small 
admixture of canary, English breeders use canary seed as 
the base, and add small portions of millet, rape, poppy, etc. 
Both systems seem to have their merits and can be blended 
to meet the requirements of canaries of any derivation. 
In feeding it is important to make certain that the seed is 
free from dust, and to give a restricted quantity. The great 
majority of canary ills are the result of over-feeding. 

During the molt, which normally occurs during the late 



190 PETS 

summer, when the bird loses its feathers and its voice as 
well, extra nourishment is required. This is supplied in 
the form of " song restorer " obtainable from all dealers. 
These mixtures usually consist of egg cake or zwieback, 
poppy and flax seeds, and cayenne pepper. They can easily 
be prepared by any one who cares to take the trouble. ^ 

Green food should be supplied freely, and so long as it is 
fresh will benefit the bird. Frost-bitten or even wet greens 
should never be used. Chickweed, lettuce and watercress 
are the plants best adapted for the purpose. Sweet apple is 
always relished by canaries. 

Water should always be cool and fresh, and should not 
be allowed to become heated by the sun. It is important to 
clean the receptacle daily, to remove the growth of slime 
which gathers on the inner surface. 

Canaries, like most small birds, should bathe frequently. 
Some will do so daily without any difficulty. Others will 
consistently refuse. Most birds will use any small, shal- 
low receptacle, which may be placed in the cage. The out- 
side bath attachment, procurable from any dealer, is a 
convenient means, and the bird will soon learn to use it. 
Birds which cannot be induced to bathe should be sprayed 
frequently with tepid water in an atomizer. 

Breeding 

As already stated, practically all of the canaries for the 
American trade are produced in Germany. England fur- 
nishes a few Norwich and Yorkshires, but their numbers 
are almost negligible. Canary breeding on a large scale, 
for some obscure reason, appears never to have been at- 
tempted in this country. A few Rollers, Norwich, York- 
shires and Belgians are bred for exhibition purposes, but 
the purely commercial side is entirely undeveloped. Rollers 



PETS 191 

require skilled handling, and the demand for purely fancy 
breeds is not great, but common singing canaries can be bred 
by any one possessed of time and patience. Canary breed- 
ing is an ideal occupation for invalids and other sedentary 
persons, and could be made remunerative if carried out on 
a scale sufficiently large. 

There are two systems by which canaries may be bred. 
One is the bird room, or aviary, in which the birds are 
given full liberty, and allowed to seek such mates as please 
them. The other is the more systematic method of the 
careful breeder, who pairs his birds with discrimination, 
and keeps them in separate cages. 

A disused room, or a detached structure, with or without 
open-air flights attached, may be adapted to the purpose. 
It must be mouse-proof, and of course impervious to rain 
and wind. Canaries will become hardy and can be kept 
without heat if well protected, but few breeders care to 
risk keeping their birds in winter without some artificial 
warmth. The room should be fitted up with perches, the 
most suitable being natural branches. Wire nests, wooden 
traveling cages, small boxes, etc., should be placed in sites 
suitable for nests, and the usual nesting material — hair, cot- 
ton, soft hay, etc. — supplied. An equal number of each sex, 
liberated in such a room, may be expected to turn out a good 
number of young, although there is likely to be more or less 
quarreling. Such a method might well be used by persons 
engaged in producing common canaries on a large scale, 
but of course selective breeding under these conditions is 
impossible. 

The most satisfactory system is that by which each pair 
is kept in a separate cage. This is the only means for con- 
trolling the suitable mating of the birds and making certain 
of the parentage of the offspring. The best cage is of the 
box type, with all sides except the front tightly closed. The 



192 PETS 

front is wired, and furnished with a door and apertuies 
for food and water receptacles. Twenty to, twenty-four 
inches long, by ten deep and fifteen high, are good average 
dimensions. Each cage should be furnished with a slide 
bottom, which should be kept covered with clean sand or 
gravel. Such cages may be placed in " stack " form, on 
shelves about the walls of a room, and a great many pairs of 
breeding canaries accommodated with a small floor space. 
Uniform cages, well made and finished, can be so arranged as 
to give the breeding room a neat and attractive appearance. 

The perches should be so placed as to give easy access to 
the food and water dishes. These last are obtainable in 
many shapes, the only essential features being that they 
allow the birds to feed readily, and are themselves easily 
cleaned. It must be remembered that the birds naturally 
require more food when rearing young and the food holder 
must be large enough to contain an abundant supply. 

In England, the little wooden nest boxes once generally 
used have been largely replaced by others of tin and earthen- 
ware. Canaries will use almost any receptacle that strikes 
their fancy, but metal or earthenware pans do not offer the 
hiding-places for insects that wooden ones do. Breeders 
in this country commonly use round baskets of wirework, 
which are furnished with an attachment for fastening them 
to the cage. These nests are obtainable from all dealers. 
They are usually lined with soft cloth, to make a founda- 
tion for the nest, and placed at the back of the cage, near 
the top. Hair nesting material can be had from all bird 
stores. This, with bits of cotton, soft grass, etc., should 
be placed in the cage, and with it the birds will construct 
a nest to please themselves. 

Healthy canaries will begin to think of pairing shortly 
after the first of the year, but it is best to hold them back 
until late February, or even March. A bad start may result 



PETS 193 

in a ruined season, whereas if mating is delayed until the 
weather is more seasonable results are certain to be more 
satisfactory. 

Canaries are naturally monogamous, and ordinarily 
breed in pairs, although under the conditions of an aviary 
this rule is not always adhered to. Some breeders, for one 
reason or another, make a practice of mating a cock with 
two hens. This can be accomplished, but some skill in 
handling is necessary, as in most cases the hens must be kept 
separate. 

Cocks and hens should, of course, be kept apart until 
the breeding season begins. When it has been decided to 
pair them, the cock and hen to be matched should be intro- 
duced to the breeding cage. There is generally some little 
quarreling at first, but this is soon over and the birds quickly 
settle down to the business of life. Very occasionally indi- 
viduals will be found which will not agree, and in such 
cases the cage may be divided with a wire partition until 
they have changed their minds. Ordinarily this partition 
is not necessary. 

At this time egg food, which consists of about equal parts 
of grated hard-boiled Qgg and biscuit, bread or zwieback 
crumbled together, should be given daily in small quantities, 
with an occasional pinch of poppy or maw seed. Of course 
the usual seed must also be continued. 

Building will soon begin, and as soon as the nest is com- 
plete the first egg may be looked for. The hen usually ap- 
pears very ill and rough in plumage just before laying, but 
this need not occasion alarm. However, if the egg is not 
deposited by the following day, help must be given quickly. 
A few drops of warm olive oil, inserted in the vent with a 
medicine dropper, often will bring relief. If this fails, 
holding the bird over steam, of course being careful to 
avoid scalding, will almost invariably produce the desired 



194 PETS 

effect. As a last resort, wrap the bird carefully in a soft 
cloth and place it in a position where a uniformly high tem- 
perature is maintained. This method is applicable to all 
birds in cases of egg binding. 

An tgg generally is laid each successive day, until from 
three to six have been deposited, four being the most usual 
number. Most breeders remove the eggs, as laid, using a 
spoon for the purpose. If this is not done they not only 
serve as a temptation to cocks inclined to egg-eating, but 
are more or less incubated as each successive addition is 
made. The consequence is that some hatch several days 
before the others, the first young birds being so much larger 
than the later ones that the little fellows have a poor chance 
of survival. The hen will indicate the completion of her 
clutch by sitting tightly when the last tgg is laid and then 
the others may be returned to the nest. At this time the egg 
food should be given only occasionally, as during incuba- 
tion the food should not be too stimulating. The hen will 
leave the nest now and then to take a bite or two and take a 
bit of exercise, but most of her food is supplied by the cock, 
which feeds her constantly while she is sitting. 

In case it is necessary, for any reason, to remove the male, 
the female may generally be relied upon to hatch and rear 
the young unassisted. 

Incubation lasts for thirteen days, and if the eggs have 
been removed as laid the chicks all should emerge at about 
the same time. After two or three days the nest should be 
examined, and any eggs which have failed to hatch removed. 

Egg food with a little peppy seed must now be furnished 
constantly, and the seed and water dishes kept well supplied. 

Canaries feed the young by regurgitation, both seed and 
egg food being given. In all cases it is imperative that 
the food be clean and untainted. Green food, if fresh, 
should be given in moderate quantity daily. 



PETS 195 

During the first few days the hen sits closely on the 
young, being fed by the cock and in turn passing it on to the 
chicks. It is at this time that one of the most common ail- 
ments of young canaries occurs. This is known as " sweat- 
ing," and is easily recognized by the sticky and bedraggled 
condition of the chicks. It is not, of course, actually caused 
by " sweating," but by looseness of the bowels of the chicks, 
causing the excrement to be of a watery nature, and hence 
not removable by the hen which normally performs this 
function. The nest quickly becomes foul and the chicks 
as well. It is customary to remove the cocks under such 
conditions, thus causing the hen to leave the nest in order 
to feed. The best remedy is to clean the nest and attempt 
to check the diarrhoea. If this can be accomplished the 
trouble will cease. 

If all goes well, the chicks grow rapidly, and when barely 
three weeks old are ready to leave the nest. At this time 
the hen is likely to be thinking of laying again. If nesting 
material is not abundant, she may pluck the young birds to 
line her new nest, and as she may decide to lay in the old 
one, the best plan is to remove the young birds. If a par- 
tition can be placed in the cage, they may be separated fror^ 
their parents in this way. If this is not practicable, they 
can be placed in a small cage, so arranged that the parents, 
or at least the cock, can continue feeding the ofifspring, 
through the bars. This they will do until the little birds 
are able to feed for themselves. 

From the first the youngsters must be furnished with egg 
food and canary, rape and a little crushed hemp. They will 
soon begin to pick at it, and when four or five weeks old 
will be able to feed themselves. As soon as this is seen to 
be the case, they may be separated entirely from the parents 
and placed in a larger cage. If there are several broods of 
approximately the same age, they may be placed together. 



196 PETS 

It is necessary to watch for feather-pulling, a common vice 
among young birds. Any offenders should be promptly 
removed, as the habit is contagious and difficult to eradicate. 

As the birds progress, the egg food is gradually elimi- 
nated, and the youngsters fed in the usual manner for adults. 
When four or five weeks old, the young cocks will begin to 
twitter and can thus be distinguished from the hens. At six 
or eight weeks they begin to molt, only the body feathers 
being renewed. The flights and tail feathers are not dropped 
until the following year. 

The breeding birds will commence to molt in July or early 
August and should then be separated for the season. 

Breeds 

As already stated, the German Canaries are of but two 
sorts, the Common and the Roller, alike in color and appear- 
ance, and distinguished only by their song. On the other 
hand, the English birds are much varied in form and not 
particularly brilliant as songsters. The Belgian Canary 
offers still another differentiation in shape. ' ■" 

. The Common Canary, the familiar bird of our homes, is 
simply the wild bird more or less modified in color and song. 
It occurs in green, yellow and cinnamon, both clear or self, 
and mottled. Little attention is paid to color by breeders, 
the only requirement being a loud, full song. This is the 
usual Canary of commerce, and the one which offers the best 
investment for the prospective producer for the market. It 
furnishes the great bulk of the birds which reach us^.from 
Germany, and now is being bred here in some number" 

The Roller averages somewhat smaller than the Com- 
mon Canary, and generally is self-green or heavily varie- 
gated, although clear yellows occasionally are seen. The 
charm of the bird lies in its wonderful song, quite unlike 




Wild Canary 




Yorkshire Canary 



Norwich Canary 




Crested Canary 



198 PETS 

that of its noisier relative. It consists of a series of soft, 
sweet trills known as " tours," to each of which has been 
given a name, such as " hollow-flute," " bell-roll," " water- 
roll," etc. This little bird's voice really is indescribably 
charming, and no one who has heard it would ever again 
value the song of another canary. 

Rollers are bred, trained and selected with the greatest 
care. As soon as the young cocks have completed the 
molt, and commenced twittering, each is placed in a sepa- 
rate cage, in a partially darkened room. An old cock, 
known as a " schoolmaster," selected for his perfection of 
song, is now introduced, and from him the young birds learn 
the most desirable trills. Should one develop a false or 
harsh note, he is removed at once, lest he ruin his neigh- 
bors. The schoolmaster is often assisted by the bird organ, 
an instrument on which it is possible to produce many of 
the runs. 

The best Rollers still are bred in Germany, in the vicinity 
of St. Andreasburg. English and American breeders have 
taken up breeding rather extensively, but the best school- 
masters are difficult to obtain, as they are highly prized in 
Germany. 

Rollers are exhibited at most cage-bird shows, their judg- 
ing being a matter of considerable interest. Each bird is 
kept in a small cage, enclosed in a decorative wooden box, 
the doors of which are kept tightly shut. When the time 
for judging arrives, the contestants are removed to a quiet 
corner, where no sound will interfere with accurate hearing. 
The doors are then opened, one at a time, and the occu- 
pant, if well trained, at once bursts into song. The adjudi- 
cator, with the greatest care, listens to the performance, 
marking each bird according to its ability, and deducting for 
faults. It may well be believed that only a most experienced 
person may qualify as a judge of Rollers. 



PETS 199 

The Belgian Canary is one of the group which includes 
the " birds of position." It was produced in Belgium, but 
now is widely bred on the continent, and also in England 
and America. It is purely a " fancy " bird, and is bred for 
shape and position alone, song and color being negligible. 
This bird represents the curious tendency of breeders the 
world over to develop grotesque variations. There is noth- 
ing lovely about the Belgian Canary, and only the initiated 
can appreciate the care and skill required to produce the 
strange form so much desired by admirers of the breed. 

The Belgian Canary is essentially long and slender. The 
body is slim and the back and tail straight, forming a right 
angle with the perch, when the bird is in position. The legs 
must be long and straight, allowing the bird to stand well 
up. The wings must be held tightly, and meet evenly over 
the back, the points not overlapping. The most striking 
singularity is the neck, which is extremely long and narrow. 
When the bird is fully extended, the neck extends forward 
and downward from the body, at an angle approximating 
45 degrees, the beak being pointed straight down. Well- 
bred young birds always assume this position when ex- 
cited, and the habit is fastened in exhibition birds by con- 
stant training. It is the aim of breeders to preserve tight- 
ness of plumage, but the shoulders must be well rounded, 
and not made to appear uneven by projecting wing butts. 
The Belgian Canary is an exceedingly nervous bird and 
should never be handled if avoidable. 

There is one other Continental breed to which we may 
briefly refer — the Dutch or French Frilled Canary. 
This is a long, slender bird, somewhat on the style of the 
Belgian but without the exaggerated pose. Its most strik- 
ing character lies in the plumage, which is unusually long 
and wavy and recurved at certain points : the chest, the 
region of the thighs, the back, the base of the tail and occa- 



200 PETS 

sionally the nape. This canary is still largely bred in Hol- 
land and in France, but is seldom seen to perfection else- 
where. 

We come now to the English and Scotch breeds. Since 
much attention is given to color as well as type in these 
birds, a few w^ords devoted to this phase will serve for all. 
Canaries usually occur in three main colors — yellow, green 
and cinnamon— either clear or marked. The experienced 
breeder subdivides the yellow birds into two groups. Those 
in which the color is deep and clear with no shading of 
white he calls yellows. When the color is pale and with a 
frosting of white he calls the bird, rather curiously, a buff. 
Closely allied as these two shades are, each seems to retain 
its purity when crossed. Strangely enough, the buff birds 
have the plumage much denser and heavier than the yellows, 
which excel in fineness of texture. It is customary, there- 
fore, when mating pairs for breeding, to pair a buff and a 
yellow, with the object of securing all of the desirable quali- 
ties in the young. In case density, on the one hand, or 
silkiness, on the other, is to be intensified, it may be done 
by pairing two buffs or two yellows, which is known as 
" doubling." A cross with greens is useful in keeping yel- 
lows and buffs at their best. 

Green Canaries are a dark olive green in general, the 
back and sides of the breast being streaked with black. 
The flights and tail are black, edged with green. Breeders 
endeavor to get the striping as narrow as possible, thus 
getting a clearer shade of green. Greens occur in two 
phases, as do yellows : a dark one, known as yellow-green, 
and a paler shade, called buff-green. The two forms are 
mated together, as are yellows and buffs, the typical 
characters of strength and texture of plumage holding 



g-ood. 



The Cinnamon is a rich cinnamon-buff, the color being 



PETS 201 

purest on the breast and variegated on the back with stripes 
of a darker tone. The usual distinction of yellow and 
buff is made between birds of dark and lighter shade. All 
self-colored and variegated cinnamons, and even clear yel- 
lows, cinnamon-bred, have pink eyes, a never-failing indica- 
tion of ancestry. Cinnamons are recessives in the Mendelian 
sense, and two birds of this color mated together never 
will breed anything but cinnamons. The character is also 
sex-limited in a curious fashion. A cinnamon hen, bred to 
a cock containing no cinnamon blood, will produce no birds 
of this color. A cinnamon cock, with a hen not cinnamon 
bred, will breed some cinnamons, but all of this color will 
be hens. On the other hand, cinnamon cocks or hens bred 
to non-cinnamon birds containing cinnamon blood will pro- 
duce both sexes of this color. 

Cinnamons, as well as greens, were cultivated for years as 
separate varieties, color being the cardinal point. Recently, 
however, these colors have been bred into the principal 
types of Canaries, so that they are now found among most 
breeds, such as the Yorkshire, Norwich and Border Fancy. 
Cinnamons, however, are still given separate classes at the 
larger English shows. 

There is still another color which should not be over- 
looked — pure white. Records of White Canaries are of 
frequent occurrence in the history of the bird, but not until 
recently have they become well established. 

At the Crystal Palace Show, held in London, February 
5-9, 1909, the first White Canary was exhibited.* This 
bird was bred in England by a Mr. Kiesel, and was, in its 
turn, the sire of six white young. At about the same time, 
a Mrs. Marten, of New Zealand, bred some white birds, a 
few of which were later sent to England. The first birds 

* For much information concerning the White Canary, I am in- 
debted to Mr. F. Carl, editor of Cage Birds, London. 



202 PETS 

seem to have occurred from closely related parents which 
had been mated for " double buffing," but whether or not 
this combination of inbreeding and pale color caused the 
appearance of an albino is problematical. 

As first produced, the whites were of the common type, 
and the only object of breeders was to secure purity of color. 
Now, however, they are being adapted to the standards of 
various recognized breeds, such as Yorkshires, Norwich and 
Border Fancies. 

At the exhibition of the London Cage Bird Association, 
held at the Royal Horticultural Hall, London, in December, 
1912, the writer inspected eight lovely White Canaries, the 
cheapest of which was valued at iio. No specimens of this 
color have appeared in America at this writing. 

All of the foregoing descriptions refer to birds of solid 
color : yellows and buffs being known as " clears " and 
greens and cinnamons as " selfs." Besides these there are 
various forms of pied birds, which fall into several groups. 
The ground color of these birds is yellow or buff, with 
markings of green or cinnamon. A bird which is entirely 
clear, except for a single small patch, is known as " ticked." 
A further admixture of light and dark feathers makes what 
is called a " variegated." The most highly developed of 
these birds is called the " even-marked." These markings 
occur in three sections on each side — the eye, wing and tail. 
The eye mark should be even and rounded in front, just 
wide enough to encircle the eye, tapering to a point behind. 
The wing marks are formed by the secondaries, a varying 
number of which may be colored, so long as no light feathers 
are interspersed and the two sides are even. The tail marks 
consist of from one to three dark feathers at the sides of 
the tail. These last are not of so much importance as the 
two former, birds with eye and wing marks only being 
equally popular. Evenly marked Canaries are difficult to 



PETS 203 

produce, and no attempt seems to have been made to popu- 
larize them, in any breed, on this side. 

While on the subject of color, we may consider the ques- 
tion of color feeding. This operation is performed during 
the molt, the new plumage of the bird coming in a bright 
orange color of a most attractive shade. The method was 
discovered about 1870, and the first color-fed birds ex- 
hibited created a great sensation among breeders. The 
secret was carefully guarded for a few years, but finally 
was given out. When it was found that the birds which 
had been sweeping the boards at the classic shows owed 
their success to the humble red pepper, joy and chagrin must 
have struggled for supremacy. At first cayenne pepper was 
used, but later experiments showed the sweet red peppers to 
be equally efficient and less trying for the birds. These are 
dried and ground and mixed with egg food in the propor- 
tion of one part pepper to two of food. Some breeders add 
a small quantity of sweet oil and sugar to the food. 
Whether or not these ingredients are to be used is a mat- 
ter of personal choice and experience. A few weeks before 
the birds commence molting the use of the food is begun, 
and it is continued until all of the feathers have been re- 
newed. About a teaspoon ful per day is enough for a bird, 
which of course should have the regular seed in addition. 
If the color food is not taken readily, the seed may be 
withheld for a time. Few birds ultimately refuse the food, 
and most will eat it greedily. When the molt has been com- 
pleted the food may gradually be discontinued. Contrary 
to the belief of many, it is not the stimulating character of 
the pepper that causes the color, but its chemical constituents. 
Just what the action is we do not know, but the final result 
is indisputable. 

Of the English Canaries, one of the oldest and most popu- 
lar is the Norwich. It is a large, full-bodied bird, with 



204 PETS 

short, round head. The phimage should be soft and fine, 
but still must be smooth. The wings, as in most canary 
breeds, lie close and meet in a straight line on the back. The 
Norwich, which occurs in all of the clear, self and marked 
varieties, excels in richness of color, and is the bird in which 
color feeding produces the best results. 

The modern Crested Canary appears to have been de- 
veloped by various crossings of breeds, prominent among 
which are the Norwich and the Lancashire Coppy, the aim 
of breeders being to get a bird of the large, thick-set, 
Norwich type. The crest is the most important point in this 
bird. This should be formed of large, flat feathers, radiating 
from a point in the center of the crown. It should be cir- 
cular in shape, free from upstanding feathers, and should 
cover both beak and eyes. The back of the crest is a weak 
spot, many birds having a tendency to exhibit faults at 
this point. The most popular color is a clear body with dark 
crest, followed closely by the even marks. The entirely 
clear bird is considered the least desirable. 

In breeding Crests, crestless birds, known as Crest-breds, 
occur. These birds are of the same type as the typical 
Crests, but are plain-headed, the only indication of their 
ancestry being a curling or rising of the feathers over the 
eye, known as "browing." In pairing, it is customary to 
mate a Crest with a Crest-bred, a method which seems to 
produce the best results. Crests of very good quality are 
imported from England yearly, and offered for sale by 
dealers, but the breed does not appear to be kept extensively 
here. 

The Lancashire Coppy is the largest of the Canary 
breeds, its stature being considerably greater than that of 
the Crest. The name refers to the crest which adorns the 
head. In this bird the feathers of the crown radiate from 
the center toward the front and sides only, and not toward 



PETS 205 

the back, where the feathers merge with those of the nape. 
Plain-headed birds occur here as in the true Crested Canary, 
and show the same heavy l^rowing. As in Crests, it is com- 
mon practice to pair Coppies with Plainheads. The Coppy 
is not bred now so gi&herally as it once was, its popularity 
having been weakened by the advent of the modern Crest. 
Coppies are found only in clear and ticked Yellows and 
Buffs. 

The Border FAncy is really a glorified Common Canary. 
It is kept in some numl^ers on both sides of the Scottish 
border, and is now bred to a recognized standard. It is a 
small bird, rather slimmer than the German Common Ca- 
nary, and close and tight in feathering. The head is small 
and rounded, the back full and straight and the wings meet- 
ing evenly with no crossing. The Border Fancy is bred in 
all of the known colors. 

The Yorkshire, while the most recently perfected of 
Canary breeds, certainly is the dandy of the tribe, and 
shares with the Norwich the palm of popularity. 

It is long, slender and graceful, without the unpleasantly 
exaggerated pose of the Belgian. It is quiet and stead}-, as 
good a singer as any English bird, and a prolific l^reeder. 
The original Yorkshire has long lieen esta1)lished in its 
native county, but modern breeders have introduced alien 
blood of many sorts to bring it to its present perfection. 

The Yorkshire is essentially a slim bird and rather long, 
exhibition cocks being just under seven inches and hens 
somewhat smaller. The head is small and narrow, while 
neck and body are symmetricall}' slender. The whole bird, 
from tip to tip, should be straight, with no tendency to 
angles. Well-fitted wings and straight, closed tail are 
important features. The plumage must be tight and smooth 
in all parts. Yorkshires are Ijred in all colors, and are 
kept in considerable numbers in this country. 



206 PETS 

The Scotch Fancy is similar to the Belgian Canary, 
with the body strongly curved instead of straight. The 
tail follows the curve of the body, so that when the bird is 
in position the extended head and the tip of the tail are not 
far out of the same vertical line. The legs appear to grasp 
the perch from behind, rather than from above, giving the 
bird a curious air of determination to hang on in spite 
of attempts to push him off. Scotch Fancies are still very 
popular in Scotland, and a few are bred here. Color is not 
sought so eagerly in this breed as in some others. 

We now come to the two canary breeds in which color is 
of paramount importance — the Lizard and the London 
Fancy. These two breeds undoubtedly are closely allied, 
and when in nest plumage resemble each other almost ex- 
actly. After the molt, however, they are very distinct. 
Both are of the Common Canary type in body. 

The Lizard Canary occurs in two forms : the Gold, cor- 
responding to yellow, and the Silver, bearing the same rela- 
tion to buff. In the Gold Lizard the ground cdor above 
is a soft brown, each feather having a black center and 
yellow margin. The spangles thus formed must be clear 
and distinct, and cover the bird's back in straight lines. The 
flights and tail are black, edged with yellow. The crown, 
to a line through the center of the eye, is clear yellow, the 
upper lid remaining dark. This cap must be evenly cut, 
any wandering of light or dark feathers being considered 
a serious blemish. The underparts are rich yellow, with 
an indication of spangling at the sides. 

The Silver Lizard is similar in pattern, but the ground 
color is gray, not brown, the edgings are white, and the 
cap is pale buff. The legs and beak in each variety are dark. 
It is common practice to color feed Lizards, the richness of 
their plumage being much enhanced. 

In breeding Lizards, it is customary to pair Gold with 



PETS 207 

Silver, as yellow with buff. The young are green with 
yellow cap, showing little resemblance to their parents. At 
the first molt the spangling appears. As the flights and tail 
are not shed at this time, they retain their original black 
color. It is in this plumage that the Lizard is at its best. 
At the next molt the feathers lose much of their brilliancy 
and the sharpness of the spangling is destroyed. The flight 
and tail feathers also become tipped with white. It is of 
great interest to note that if any of the flights or tail 
feathers are removed before their normal time, they are 
replaced by others with white tips. 

The London Fancy, when in the nest plumage, is indis- 
tinguishable from a young Lizard. At the first molt, how- 
ever, the dark body feathers are replaced by deep yellow or 
buff, as the case may be, while the flights and tail remain 
pure black. This plumage lasts for a year only, the black 
flights being displaced by grizzled, yellow ones at the 
first adult molt. The London Fancy, for some reason, is 
now very little bred, and must soon disappear if not speedily 
revived. 

Canary Hybrids 

The production of hybrids, known as " mules," from 
crosses of canaries with various other finches, is a pursuit 
which has long fascinated keepers of cage birds. The birds 
so produced are invariably sterile, and although they will 
often pair and lay, no proof of their having produced young 
has ever been set forth. The cocks are often handsomely 
colored, and are exceptionally fine singers, combining the 
wild notes of one parent with the free delivery of the other. 

The great ambition of mule breeders is to secure clear, 
evenly marked or ticked birds. These have been produced 
in small numbers in Goldfinch, Linnet and Siskin hybrids, 
but such birds are practically unknown on this side. An 



208 PETS 

occasional heavily variegated bird is seen, but most are dark 
selfs, which are to be preferred to the former. 

In breeding most sorts of mules, it is customary to run 
a cock finch with a hen canary, chiefly because of the tracta- 
bility of the latter, as compared with most wild females, and 
the certainty with which she will rear the young. Hens 
that will throw light or clear hybrids are greatly valued, 
and the establishment of a strain of such hens has often 
been attempted. English fancy papers are filled with ad- 
vertisements of " pink-eyed yellow sib-bred hens " for mul- 
ing purposes, the idea being that " sib " or inbred birds are 
most likely to breed light mules. Whether or not this be 
true, it seems certain that hens with pink eyes (denoting 
cinnamon blood, with its " sporting " tendencies), carefully 
yellow-bred for several generations, are more likely to pro- 
duce clear birds than females of mixed ancestry. In spite of 
all precautions, however, the tendency of the great majority 
of hens is to throw dark or heavily variegated mules. At 
any rate, she should be yellow, not buff, in color, as buff 
hybrids lack the richness of yellows. She should be of the 
Norwich rather than of the Yorkshire type, since the off- 
spring of the latter are too slender and upright. 

Most hen canaries will mate freely with cocks of other 
species, although some are difficult to reconcile. An im- 
portant point is to wait until the normal nesting time of the 
wild bird, since it will not be in breeding condition until 
then. If introduced too soon, fighting is likely to occur, 
with disastrous results. The cock finch should be tame, 
well accustomed to cage life and of course as large and 
brightly colored as possible. 

Pairing, building and laying are much the same with 
cross-mated pairs as with straight Canaries. It is always 
best to remove the eggs as laid because of the tendency of 
many cock finches to destroy them. As soon as the hen is 



PETS 209 

sitting well, it is customary to remove the cock and allow 
her to perform her maternal duties unattended. The 
young birds at all stages are fed and treated as are young 
canaries. 

The most popular hybrid is the Goldfinch-Canary 
Mule. As already stated, clear or lightly ticked birds are 
the most valuable and are correspondingly rare. Such 
specimens are often of the deepest yellow, but always re- 
tain a deeper flush corresponding to the crimson face of the 
male parent, and also the sharp, tapering beak. Hand- 
somely marked variegated birds are common, but as ex- 
hibition specimens rank below sound-colored selfs, which 
are now given more attention than was once the case. Such 
birds are of a rich brownish hue in general, with a tinge of 
yellow below. The Goldfinch characters are seen in the 
wings and tail, and in the orange blaze on the face. Self 
mules should be as rich and deep in color as possible, and 
must be free from light feathers throughout. The nape 
is a particularly weak spot, a great many birds showing 
a few small, light feathers here. 

The Linnet-Canary Mule is another hybrid which has 
received some attention on this side. Clear or even light 
birds are still more rare in this cross, the great majority 
being dark selfs. These latter resemble closely the Linnet 
father, but of course never show the red in cap or breast, 
which this bird has before a molt in captivity. 

The Canary-Bullfinch Mule is the only one which is 
commonly bred by pairing a cock Canary with a hen Bull- 
finch. There is little difficulty in getting the birds to mate 
and lay, but the eggs had best be transferred to a canary. 
Fertile eggs are the exception rather than the rule, and such 
hybrids are not common. 

Many other canary hybrids have been produced, chiefly 
in Europe, but interest in their breeding is not great in 



210 PETS 

this country. Mr. Wesley T. Page * gives a list of twenty- 
five mule hybrids with various finches, including the 
American Goldfinch, Purple Finch and Indigo Bunting. 
The first two of these, at least, were not uncommon in the 
days when native birds were kept in this country, and a 
few are still being bred here by holders of special permits. 

A great variety of hybrids between wild European finches 
have been produced in England, almost every conceivable 
cross having been made. Very little work of this sort ap- 
pears to have been done in this country. 

* Species Which Have Reared Young and Hybrids Which Have 
Been Bred in Captivity in Great Britain, p. 45. 



CHAPTER XII 

DOMESTIC PIGEONS 

No group of domestic birds or animals shows such diversity 
of form, color and markings as do the pigeons. The mold- 
ing of the many curious variations must have commenced in 
very early times; Darwin* states that the first record of 
pigeons in captivity occurs in the fifth Egyptian dynasty, 
about 3000 B.C. 

That the ancestor of these remarkably diverse forms still 
exists in the Rock Dove (Coluuiba liz'ia) is no longer open 
to doubt. This bird is found more or less abundantly in 
Europe, Turkestan and central Asia, to China. Its color 
is exactly that of blue varieties of domesticated birds. It is 
pale gray above, darker on the head, breast and upper tail 
coverts. The neck is beautifully iridescent, showing reflec- 
tions of green and purple. The rump is white, while the 
tail is slaty, with a black band near the tip. The basal por- 
tions of the outer edges of the outer tail feathers are edged 
with white. Each wing is crossed by two distinct black 
bars, one formed by the secondaries, the other by the greater 
coverts. Its legs are smooth and bare and the bill rather 
slender, with small, compact wattle. This description would 
serve for blue va^'ieties throughout the group except for the 
white rump, which is disliked in most fancy breeds. 

The Rock Dove is a dweller in cliffs and similar locali- 
ties, roosting and nesting on the bare ledges. In India 
immense flocks, half tamed, inhabit the mosques, and for 
centuries, in various parts of England, partly domesticated 

* Animals and Plants Under Domestication {Westminster Edition), 
p. 511. 

211 



212 PETS 

birds have lived in the dovecotes. These dovecote birds 
are not all of the barred type, many showing chequering 
on the wing coverts, the first variation the Rock Dove shows 
in captivity. It is this innate tendency to variation that has 
given us our wonderful array of modern breeds. Once 
the bounds of normal plumage have been passed, almost 
anything is possible. Albinos must have occurred among 
these birds, as among others, and their appearance would 
quickly lead to pied forms. Other colors appeared, either 
as distinct mutations or as slight differences which were 
quickly seized upon by the breeders. The slightest tendency 
to crests, feathered legs, frills or other abnormalities was 
fixed and improved with a zeal which now seems nothing 
short of amazing. But the chief types of pigeons undoubt- 
edly are very old, a legacy from forgotten centuries. 

Of the actual breeds of those old times we know little; 
it is probable that they would not be recognized today as 
the ancestors of our modern kinds. But the eastern coun- 
tries became the birthplace of many types now well known — 
the Fantail, the Owls, the Oriental Frills, certain types of 
Tumblers and probably others. Most of these birds have 
been developed and greatly improved since their introduc- 
tion to western Europe, where many new varieties were 
created. On the other hand, in some groups the East has 
more than held its own; Smyrna is still famous for the 
wonderful Oriental Frills produced there. 

General Care 

Pigeon-keepers may be divided into three groups: those 
whose birds live in a state of semi-liberty breeding entirely 
without control and receiving little or no attention; those 
who breed squabs on a commercial basis, and have no inter- 
est in their birds beyond the weight of edible flesh they can 



PETS 213 

produce ; and those who keep pigeons because they like 
them, and so give them the care and attention they should 
have, without too close an eye on the account book. It is 
to the last group only that we shall devote space here. 

Although fancy pigeon breeding is now a well-developed 
art in this country,, the tyro who ventures into higher circles 
will soon find himself confused by the intricate mysteries of 
breeding and selection, not too well understood by the elite 
themselves. Because of their remarkable variations and 
rapidity of reproduction, pigeons offer an excellent field for 
the study of these questions, and the thoughtful person, 
whatever his motive, will find much to repay his efforts. 

Pigeons are hardy creatures, and all but the most deli- 
cate breeds can endure much privation. The flocks which 
live untrammeled in our cities, spending their days in the 
streets and their nights among the cornices of buildings, are 
a familiar example. In spite of this fact, however, pigeons 
of all sorts are better for suitable housing, and with the 
finer breeds real protection is a matter of necessity. 

In building or arranging a pigeon loft, much depends on 
the nature of the birds to be kept. Flying birds, such as 
Tipplers, Rollers and Homers, naturally do not require the 
loft space necessary for those which are always kept in 
confinement. In all events, the loft must be light, dry 
and tight enough to preclude danger of draughts. Artificial 
warmth is unnecessary except in very unusual cases. It is of 
the greatest importance that the loft be made, as nearly as 
possible, rat and mouse proof. The former, especially, are 
a menace, and their inroads are certain to be serious, if they 
gain access. Individual perches, of the A or other similar 
type, should be placed about the walls, thus preventing much 
quarreling, causing the accumulation of droppings at cer- 
tain points and avoiding the obstruction of the central 
space. As the feet of pigeons are adapted for sitting on 



214 PETS 

flat surfaces, rather than for clasping round objects, perches 
should be arranged in accordance. 

Every loft has its own particular arrangement of nest 
boxes, which are built to suit conditions. There are a few 
points, however, in which all should agree. As pigeons, 
when in proper breeding condition, usually have well-grown 
young in one nest and eggs in another, it is necessary that 
each pair be provided with two sites. This is best accom- 
plished by dividing the available space into compartments, 
say three feet long. Each compartment is then subdivided, 
forming two smaller inner chambers. Here may be placed 
shallow earthenware pans, obtainable from all dealers, or 
small wooden boxes, in which the birds will build their 
nests. The partition dividing the compartments should be 
high enough to prevent the young in one nest from disturb- 
ing the parent engaged in incubation in the other. If con- 
ditions are suitable, it is best to build nesting compartments 
on the floor, thus avoiding the danger of injury to the young 
birds by falling from the nest. Where this is not feasible, 
they can be erected in tiers along the walls. Each pair will 
select and hold its own domain, jealously defending it 
against all comers. 

It is an excellent plan to arrange the compartments so 
that they can be closed temporarily with wire netting. They 
are then useful for confining the pairs at mating time. 

Sea sand, clean and free from clay, is the best material 
for covering the floor. Sawdust is used by some, but it 
blows about, especially if thinly spread, and is likely to be 
picked up, with injurious effect, by young birds. If the 
sand is gone over with a very fine rake and worked through 
a sieve, once a week or so, the loft will always be clean. 

If a flight is to be attached, this may be made of any 
size desired, but equal care must be taken to make it vermin 
proof, unless the birds are to be fed inside and can be 



PETS 215 

fastened in at night. In this case two-inch mesh poultry 
netting is sufficient to restrain them. The flight should be 
fitted with perches, so placed as to induce the inmates to 
take as much exercise as possible. 

Whether the birds are to be confined or are to have their 
liberty, it is best to accustom them to the use of bob-wires. 
This is done by placing a wire of medium weight, bent in the 
form of an inverted U, over the inner side of the hole through 
which they pass. The wire is fastened at the top with 
staples, so that it swings easily. A strip of wood is placed 
at the bottom, so that when pushed against from without 
the " bob " yields freely but prevents passage in the oppo- 
site direction. These wires can be raised when the birds are 
permitted to pass in and out, but when it is desired to con- 
fine them to the loft they have only to be dropped, when all 
that enter must remain within. 

Pigeons flying at liberty, if well fed, will seldom leave, 
the greatest difficulty being in getting them settled. This is 
best accomplished when the birds have eggs or young, since 
they will hardly stray at this time. If the hen of a mated 
pair be confined where the cock can see her, he is not likely 
to leave the vicinity. If much apprehension is felt, it is a 
good plan to confine one wing in a sling, in such a manner 
that it cannot be fully used for flight. After a bird has been 
on the loft roof for a few days, thus hampered, it may 
safely be given its liberty. Pigeons of flying breeds, if fully 
adult, are very difficult to settle, and it is best to keep them 
confined and liberate only the young. 

The staple food of pigeons consists of various grains. 
Canada and maple peas, dari, wheat, buckwheat and barley 
are excellent. Cracked corn is used by many, but it is espe- 
cially dangerous for pigeons, not only for its fattening 
qualities, but because it is often unsound before cracking 
and once broken molds very quickly. The small, hard, flint 



216 PETS 

corn is excellent, if used in moderation, but is not always 
obtainable. Tares, or bird vetch, is one of the very best 
pigeon foods, but is rather expensive. Canary seed and 
hemp are eaten with eagerness, but should be used as an 
occasional treat, not as a regular item of diet. 

Two methods of feeding, apparently with an equal num- 
ber of adherents, are in vogue. Some feed once or twice 
daily, giving just what the birds will pick up and no more. 
Others supply grain in hoppers, always accessible to the 
pigeons. The first system, in spite of the rather unnatural 
stuffing of the crop, will keep the birds fit and free from the 
many disorders of the digestive tract which follow over- 
feeding. It is very necessary, however, when squabs are in 
the nest, that food be available at all times, so it would 
seem best to accommodate the mode of feeding to the 
seasons. 

Green food is an article which many pigeon-keepers neg- 
lect to give their birds, but which, nevertheless, is of im- 
portance in the maintenance of health. Clover, lettuce, 
cress, sprouted oats, etc., are among the best. 

Small grit, in the form of oyster shell, or some of the 
many prepared articles, should always be accessible. The 
quantity which pigeons consume, in the breeding season and 
out, is astonishing, and trouble will follow if the supply is 
not kept up. 

Pigeons are well known to be very fond of salt, and will 
seek it in the most unusual places. Most breeders keep a 
lump of rock salt in the loft, at which the birds work with 
great perseverance but small result. 

When well accustomed to it there certainly is no danger, 
but pigeons which have been deprived of salt for some time 
may suffer from diarrhoea if suddenly given free access 
to a lump, particularly if the atmosphere is damp. 

Pigeons are inveterate bathers, and for this reason drink- 



PETS 217 

ing water should always be supplied in fountains, which 
may readily be cleaned. This insures the purity of the 
contents. A bath should be furnished daily in summer and 
in mild days in winter. The receptacle should be wide and 
shallow, for the birds will crowd it to its utmost capacity. 
As soon as all have become properly soaked, and are 
stretched out in the various ludicrous attitudes assumed in 
drying, the bath should be removed, to prevent the dirty 
water being: drunk. 



Breeding 

Pigeons mate in pairs, and normally are strictly monog- 
amous. Under the conditions imposed by close confine- 
ment, however, the rule is often violated; more often, per- 
haps, than most breeders realize. Because of this fact it 
has lately become the practice of the more advanced keep- 
ers of pigeons to use the single-mating compartment system, 
by which each pair is confined separately. Such a compart- 
ment should not be less than three feet in each dimension, 
even for the smaller breeds. The writer recently inspected 
a well-known stud of Runts, kept on the single-mating plan. 
Many of the birds had not been out of a small pen in sev- 
eral years, yet all were in perfect condition. With more 
active breeds, however, it is best to give each, pair, on suc- 
cessive days, the use of a common flying space. 

If the general practice, still in vogue with the great 
majority, of placing all the breeding pairs together in the 
loft, is to be followed, occasional mesalliances, accidental or 
otherwise, are to be expected. These are more frequent at 
the beginning of the season, when the birds naturally are in 
an over-excited condition. Later on the danger of such 
happenings is very much reduced. Properly mated pairs 
will generally prove faithful, except in the case of illness of 



218 PETS 

one individual, wheh the other is very likely to seek diver- 
sion elsewhere. 

Pigeons which have been separated, as to sex are ready 
for breeding at almost any time after the autumn molt has 
been completed. The time for pairing varies according to 
climate and the warmth of the loft. Many breeders start 
their birds in January, but it is better, in most cases, to 
wait until well along in February. The weather is then 
likely to be milder, and by the time squabs are about the 
days are longer, giving the parents a more extended feeding- 
period. 

When it has been decided to start the birds, the pairs, 
which of course have been carefully selected beforehand, 
should be placed in the nesting compartments which it is 
desired they shall occupy. Having been supplied with food 
and water, they may be left for three or four days — longer, 
if necessary — until they are seen to be mated properly. If 
in good breeding condition, almost any cock and hen will 
accept each other at once, but they may not safely be liber- 
ated in the loft for several days. Very rarely individuals 
are found which do not take kindly to the mates selected 
for them, but such prejudices will invariably succumb in 
time. Some cocks are inclined to be savage and very hard 
drivers, and such birds must be watched lest they injure the 
hen when first introduced. It is best to start all of the birds 
at one time, as there will be less fighting in the loft, and the 
young birds will be hatched together. 

When all of the pairs are believed to be safely mated they 
may be let out of the pens. There will be a great deal of 
quarreling at first, but this will soon give way to the work of 
nest-building, each pair keeping its own quarters. Aggres- 
sive cocks may be curbed, and timid ones assisted, by various 
arrangements of barriers, which will suggest themselves 
to the owner. 



PETS 219 

Nesting material must now be supplied, of which the 
birds will build their nests. The carrying is generally done 
by the cock, the hen arranging his contributions as he brings 
them. Straw is used by many, but it is such a perfect haven 
for lice that its use certainly is not to be commended. Eng- 
lish breeders still use it freely, but in this country thin Cuban 
tobacco stems are most popular. Very long, soft, pine 
needles have recently appeared on the market, and seem to 
furnish an ideal material. 

After about a week of tender billing and very strenuous 
driving on the part of the cock the first egg should appear, 
generally late in the afternoon. This egg is incubated more 
or less closely, until early in the afternoon of the second 
day following, when another should be added. Young or 
weak hens frequently lay but one egg, and there are cases, 
well authenticated, in which three have been laid. 

Many breeders make it a practice of removing the first 
egg as soon as laid, substituting a dummy, and returning the 
original when the second is laid. This is because some birds, 
particularly in cold weather, sit closely on the first egg, 
causing it to hatch a day or so before the other, thus giv- 
ing the chick an advantage which its nest-mate is never able 
to overcome. Others seem to be able to furnish just enough 
warmth to keep the germ alive, so that incubation does not 
progress much until the second egg is added, thus allowing 
both to hatch at about the same time. 

It is usual for cocks to sit during the day, from nine or 
ten in the morning until late in the afternoon, the hen doing 
duty during the remainder of the twenty-four hours. The 
precision with which hours are kept, and the affectionate 
bowings and billings with which the change is made, form 
an interesting study in domestic relations. 

If all goes well, the eggs should chip on the eighteenth 
day after the first was laid, and the young birds should 



220 PETS 

emerge a few hours later. If the parents are known to be 
steady, it is a good plan to examine the nest at hatching 
time, as squabs often get into difficulties which are easily 
remedied. If one appears to be having trouble in extracting 
itself, it may be gently assisted, but should never be taken 
entirely from the shell. If the smaller portion can be 
removed without causing the lining membrane to bleed, this 
may be done, but the part containing the remainder of the 
yolk sac should be left. 

For several days after hatching the squabs are fed on 
soft, thoroughly digested food, known as " pigeon milk." 
This is formed in the crop of each parent, and is present a 
day or two before the hatching is due. The chick is fed by 
regurgitation, as soon as it emerges, the act being performed 
by whichever parent happens to be on duty at the moment. 
After three or four days have passed small grains are mixed 
with the " milk," and at a week old the squab is fed entirely 
on grain. 

Most breeders who keep and mate their birds systemati- 
cally ring each squab with a seamless band, bearing year 
and date. This is placed on the leg when the squab is four 
or five days old, by pressing together the three forward toes 
and passing the band over them and up the leg far enough 
to clear the hind toe. Once in position, it never can be 
removed except by cutting, and serves to identify the bird 
throughout its life. 

Pin feathers begin to appear at five or six days old and 
soon the squab is covered with growing plumes. It is at 
this time that the most insidious enemy of the young pigeon 
— canker — appears. Canker is a mixed infection, of rather 
mysterious origin, but probably is formed by a vegetable 
parasite. It is laid to various causes — dampness, inbreed- 
ing, heredity, etc.- — but moldy grain no doubt is the true 
source of the trouble. At any rate, when the young bird 



i 



PETS 221 

is seen to be breathing and swallowing with difficulty, an 
examination very often will show a lump of yellow, cheesy 
matter adhering to the walls of the throat. If this growth 
can l)e removed without causing bleeding, and the spot 
treated with iodine, a cure is often possible. But most 
cases are hopeless from the beginning and not many birds 
are saved. 

When the squabs reach the age of about two weeks, the 
parents, if in good condition, will begin to think of another 
nest. They should be discouraged from laying too soon, as 
a second pair of young may appear before the first are able 
to care for themselves. When the eggs have been laid, most 
of the care of the young is taken over by the cock, although 
the hen freely assists. 

The squabs will leave the nest and begin to explore the 
loft in the vicinity at four or five weeks old. They must 
be watched carefully at this period, to prevent their persecu- 
tion by the cocks, and to see that they have enough food. 
By six weeks they should be feeding for themselves, and it 
is best to remove them to a separate loft, where they can 
have better attention and avoid overcrowding of the breed- 
ing quarters. 

At about three months molting commences, the first indi- 
cation being the dropping of the inner primary. This molt 
progresses slowly in early hatched birds, some of which will 
finish and molt again in the autumn. 

Precocious birds show sex at a very early age, and for- 
ward cocks will mate at three and one-half or four months. 
Such activities should be discouraged, of course, and it is 
always best to separate the sexes as soon as they can be 
distinguished. 

About the middle of July, or perhaps a little later, the 
stock birds will commence molting and then are best sepa- 
rated for the season. To continue breeding during this 



222 PETS 

period is certain to result in various troubles, and the few 
young reared seldom compensate for the injury to the over- 
worked breeders. 

Cocks and hens should be placed in separate quarters and 
allowed to renew their plumage without thought of the 
cares and burdens of matrimony. The strain of the repro- 
ductive season is very severe, especially on the hens, and 
this period of recuperation is a necessity for well-bred birds. 
They should be kept in this restful condition until mating 
time again appears. 

With all short-beaked breeds, such as Owls, Oriental 
Frills and Short-faced Tumblers, as well as some others, it 
is customary to make use of feeders. These are birds of 
known diligence and steadiness, which may be depended 
upon to rear the young, if care will do it. Common pigeons. 
Homers and Long-faced Tumblers are well suited for the 
purpose. 

In large studs two or three pairs of feeders are kept to 
each pair of stock birds, thus insuring the proximity of lay- 
ing time. The feeders must lay within a day or two, at 
the most, of the pair whose eggs they are to hatch. The 
eggs are transferred as soon as laid, and the stock birds are 
usually allowed to hatch and feed the feeder's young for a 
few days, at least until the " milk " no longer is formed. • 

Although some birds are very particular as to the young 
they feed, and will not accept strangers large enough to be 
recognized, others will take any that will acquiesce. Such 
birds are invaluable in a loft of feeders, and should be 
retained as long as they are able to perform their 
duties. 

It often happens that, from one cause or another, a young 
bird will be without an adequate food supply before it is 
old enough to care for itself. In such cases one must re- 
sort to hand feeding. If the squab has reached the grain 



PETS 223 

stage, this can be accomplished, very laboriously, by passing 
food down the throat with the fingers, until the crop is rea- 
sonably full. Grain to be used for such purpose should first 
be soaked in water. It is much easier, and not really so 
repulsive as it sounds, to feed the little bird by mouth. By 
taking a mouthful of clean grain, and holding open the 
squab's beak with the thumb and finger of one hand, its 
crop can be filled to a satisfying degree in a very few 
minutes. Even tiny squabs, still being fed on " milk," can 
be reared with Mellin's Food and yolk of egg, given with 
a medicine dropper. This is a difficult matter, however, as 
the tiny chick must be kept warm and fed often, so few but 
experts would care to attempt it. 

Colors of Pigeons 

Before describing the various breeds, it is best to con- 
sider the typical colors, which run through the group. 
Five solid colors are commonly recognized, known, when 
unmixed, as self : white, black, dun, red and yellow. Of 
these dun and yellow are dilute forms of black and red, 
respectively. That is, the pigment is identical, but in the 
dilute forms the particles are separated by colorless spaces, 
thus giving a paler shade. These dilute colors, as well as 
others to be described, are recessives in the Mendelian sense, 
and sex limited as well, so that chance birds which occur are 
almost invariably hens. It is only in the breeds in which 
these colors are well established that cocks are common. 

Of white there is nothing to say, except that the color 
must be pure throughout, with a soft iridescence on the neck. 
The beak and toe-nails usually are white as well. Most 
breeders pay little attention to color in white birds, but 
there is no doubt that strains could be established which 
soil less easily than others. This has been demonstrated in 



224 PETS 

white Fan-tails. White birds generally have dark or 
" bull " eyes, except in breeds in which a white or " pearl " 
iris is demanded, such as the Tumblers, Cumulets and 
Jacobins. 

Black is a beautiful color when seen at its best, the iri- 
descence extending from the neck well down over the back. 
There should be no tendency to bluishness or bars on wing 
or tail. 

Birds with bronze on wings and tail are known as kites, 
and are frequently crossed with blacks to improve the color 
of the latter. Blacks are commonly bred with duns and 
reds, which intensifies the black. Young birds of this color 
generally may be known as soon as hatched by a black ring 
around the beak and very heavy down. 

Dun is a wood-brown color, although the variation in 
shades is great, the flights generally being lighter. Light 
duns frequently have dun bars on wings and tail, but the 
darker birds are usually free from this. Duns should be 
clear in color, with no tendency to yellowness, particularly 
on the breast. Duns generally are hatched with a brown ring 
on the beak and with little down, although the latter is not 
always the case. 

Red is a bright chestnut color, not easily described. 
There are many shades and as many opinions as to which is 
most desirable. At any rate it should be sound throughout, 
with no tendency to grizzling in flights and tail, or pluminess 
on abdomen and rump. The neck should be free from green 
iridescence. While reds and blacks are often mated, with 
advantage to the blacks, such birds must be used with care 
in red breeding, because of the tendency to produce a dark 
shade in the tail. Yellows are the safest cross with reds, but 
there is always a tendency to weaken the color. Reds gen- 
erally are hatched with a red beak-ring. 

Yellow is a soft cinnamon color, with the usual brilliant 



PETS 225 

neck, which should not be tinged with greenish. Yellows 
are prone to the same weaknesses as reds — pale flights and 
tail, and plumy or grizzly rump and underparts. The shade 
most desired is rich and deep, in contrast to the pale, flat 
cast which is often seen. Yellows are benefited by the red 
cross. Birds of this color may generally be known from the 
first by the yellow beak-ring and very scanty down. 

Reds, yellows and duns, particularly the two latter, if 
intended for show purposes, must be protected from sun and 
rain, which have a very detrimental effect on the plumage. 

Of the barred varieties there are four recognized types — 
blue, silver, mealy and cream. As in the selfs, we find that 
two of these colors are dilute forms of the others, silver 
bearing that relation to blue and cream to mealy. As in the 
case of yellow and dun, silver and cream are sex-limited 
recessives, which accounts for the scarcity of males in these 
colors. 

Blue has already been described for the Rock Dove, and 
nothing further is needed, except to say that the wing bars 
must be round, broad and distinct. White rump and thighs, 
as seen in the wild bird, are replaced by blue, as far as pos- 
sible. The lighter shades of blue, if not inclined to be griz- 
zled, are very attractive, as they form a sharper contrast with 
the bars. 

Silver is an even, pale shade, closely bordering on white. 
The wing and tail bars should be black, but this is seldom 
attained, most birds being dun or kitey. The tips of the 
flights approach dun, while the tail, neck and breast are of a 
dark ashy cast. The ground color should not be creamy, 
and the breast should be free from yellow. 

In the mealy the ground color is also close to white, but 
has a somewhat harder appearance than silver, difficult to 
describe. It is easily distinguished, however, by the reddish 
wing bars, neck and breast. There is much confusion over 




Rock Dove Flying Tippler 

Homing Pigeon Birmingham Roller 



PETS 227 

these two colors in different breeds. The best silvers are 
seen in Owls and Muffed Tumblers. Among Homer breed- 
ers and some others, however, mealies have always been 
known as silvers, a practice which seems to be as ineradicable 
as it is incorrect. Mealies, which also are sometimes known 
as silver duns, are of many shades, some of which closely 
approach dun, with dun bars. If the term silver dun could 
be confined to these dark birds, as is done in the American 
High-flyer, the clouds of color nomenclature would be con- 
siderably cleared. 

The general cast of the cream is very pale, with a slight 
creamy tint. The bars, neck and breast are a soft yellow, 
forming one of the most beautiful color schemes found 
among pigeons. Curiously enough, creams are considered 
" off colors " and hence not particularly desirable, so that 
they are not common in any breed. 

Chequers have, in addition to the wing bars, markings 
of the same color on the wing coverts and sometimes the 
rump. In all cases the chequering should be even and dis- 
tinct. In the blue chequer the markings are of black, about 
evenly divided with blue. The black chequer is in reality 
simply a very dark blue chequer, in which the blue is all 
but obliterated. The silver chequer has dapplings of black 
or deep dun, according to its wing bars. The red chequer 
is to all intents and purposes a dark mealy, with marked 
wings. Dun chequer is a pretty and usual color, the wings 
being set off in two shades of dun. The yellow chequer is 
actually a chequered cream, not a yellow. 

Blue, black and red chequers are recognized as standard 
colors in many breeds, while the pretty silver, dun and 
yellow chequers are frowned down as off colors. 

There still remain two colors, not generally recognized as 
" standard." One of these is lavender. This is a soft, 
ashy shade, with a real suggestion of lavender, and generally 



228 PETS 

is not accompanied with bars. It is found chiefly among 
Owls and Carriers. 

Grizzle is a mixture of blue and white, with the former 
predominating, thus giving the effect of a blue bird which has 
become deeply impregnated with white. The wings should 
be evenly powdered with blue and white, while neck, wing 
bars and tail are as dark as possible. Grizzles are best 
crossed with blues, in fact this is quite necessary to keep the 
color as it should be. Grizzles are found chiefly among 
Dragoons, but an attempt is being made in England to pro- 
duce Show Homers of this color. 



Pigeon Breeds 

The origin and derivation of the many pigeon breeds are 
so obscure, and so much confused by crossing, that to at- 
tempt a systematic classification would necessitate discus- 
sions and digressions that would exceed the bounds of this 
work. We shall content ourselves, therefore, with present- 
ing the best known breeds in an order chosen as much from 
convenience as from affinity. 

Fifty, or even twenty-five years ago, no writer on pigeons 
would have thought of beginning his treatise without con- 
sidering at first the four " high-class " breeds — the Carrier, 
the Barb, the Pouter and the Short-faced Tumbler. Of 
late years, however, the fact that over-specialization is as 
fatal under artificial selection as under natural selection has 
been demonstrated. The exaggeration of special characters, 
which led to the extinction of prehistoric monsters, may 
prove equally fatal in the case of domesticated creatures. 
Accentuation of abnormal features, for themselves alone, 
without regard to the symmetry of the whole, has turned 
away the followers of these four breeds, so that now their 
very existence seems threatened. Attempts to revive them 



PETS 229 

are made periodically, but concessions to the laws of beauty 
must come before advance toward the old status can begin. 
Most fancy pigeons bear little practical value ; their only 
excuse for being must be an appeal to the aesthetic sense. In 
such an aspect their cultivation is desirable and beneficial. 
As soon as ugly abnormalities become uppermost in the 
standards of a breed, so that only the expert can see its 
points, its doom is sealed. This fact is evident in every 
group of domestic animals, and should not be lost sight of 
by those who cherish them. 

The Homers 

Of all our modern breeds, the Flying Homer is probably 
the closest to the Rock Dove. In appearance the chief 
modification is in the head, which generally presents a 
straight, well-filled line from crown to tip of beak, with 
fairly large wattle. There is generally more increase in 
the size of the eye-cere. In the true flying bird, however, 
which is bred for strength and speed, appearance is of little 
importance. It is strong and light-feathered, with thick, 
rounded shoulders and tapering body. In attitude it is 
always bright and alert, giving the impression of a race- 
horse awaiting the word to start. 

Flying Homers are bred chiefly in blue, black and red 
chequers, and all of these colors pied with white. Self 
blacks and whites are sometimes seen, but color is given 
little attention among these birds. 

Pigeons have been used as messengers, from remote an- 
tiquity. The present homing race was perfected in Belgium, 
by just what crosses is something of a mystery. It is sup- 
posed, however, that the Owl and the Cumulet, and probably 
others were concerned. The formation of the head and the 
frequent appearance of a frill suggest the former, and the 
high-flying tendency the latter. Speed, endurance and the 



230 PETS 

homing instinct were the only characters which interested 
the originators of the breed, and these standards still remain 
among followers of the Homer. 

The instinct which makes the Homer return to its own 
loft has been and still is the subject of much discussion. 
The best explanation seems to be that it really is instinct, 
aided by careful training, and not merely sight and train- 
ing alone, as supposed by many. The experiments of Prof. 
John B. Watson * throw much light on the subject. Two 
Sooty Terns (Sterna fuliginosa) were taken from their 
nests on Bird Key, Tortugas, to a point at sea, ofif Cape 
Hatteras, and there liberated. This is outside the normal 
range of the species, and it is reasonable to suppose that 
neither bird had ever before been in the locality. Both re- 
turned safely to their nests, the distance of i,o8i miles 
being covered in five days. 

It thus becomes perfectly evident that the homing instinct 
is very strong in birds, and that it asserts itself under the 
most trying circumstances. Domestic pigeons, having been 
in captivity for centuries, naturally have lost much of this 
instinct. In the Flying Homer, however, it has been 
fostered and preserved to a very considerable extent, al- 
though probably it is not as well developed as in many wild 
birds. 

While a young Homer usually will return to its loft from 
a distance of five or ten miles, or even more, in any direc- 
tion, for greater distances an elaborate system of training is 
necessary. This training is begun as soon as the youngsters 
have become strong on the wing and are well acquainted 
with the immediate neighborhood. They are then sent in a 
basket, to a distance of a half-mile or so, and there liberated. 
This operation is repeated frequently, the length being in- 
creased to a mile, then five, ten, and so on, up to fifty, with 

* Carnegie Institution of Washington, Publication No. 103, 1907. 



PETS 231 

an increase of about ten miles. The steps may then be 
increased more rapidly. All this liberation should be in one 
direction, an ample demonstration of the fact that instinct 
alone is not sufficient to take the birds home. After the loo- 
mile point has been reached, quality begins to assert itself, 
and the individuals which remain when the final 600 or 700 
flies are made will represent the very cream of the flock. 
Beyond this distance competition flies are not customary, 
but considerably longer ones, some well authenticated, have 
been recorded for single birds. Mr. John Fischer, National 
Race Secretary of the International Federation of American 
Homing Pigeon Fanciers, informs the writer that a Homer 
belonging to a Mr. Brouillette in 1916 flew from Denver, 
Colorado, to Springfield, Massachusetts, a distance of 
1,689.44 miles. Twenty-two days and three hours were 
required to accomplish this feat. 

The velocity at which Homers fly is of much interest, as 
it throws some light on the question of how fast birds in 
general travel, particularly during migration. Mr. Fischer 
is authority for the statement that in 1900 a Homing 
Pigeon owned by Mr. William J. Lantz flew 100 miles at 
the rate of 2,51 1.87 yards, or nearly one and one-half miles, 
per minute. This is considerably faster than the more recent 
estimates of the speed at which most w'ild birds fly, at least 
for similar distances. 

A great number of societies are devoted to the culture 
of the Flying Homer, training and competition flies being 
held in unison. Of recent years birds which have flown 
specified distances are exhibited at shows, divided into 
classes which accord with achievements on the wing. 

When a message is to be carried, it is written on very 
thin paper and inserted in a small metal tube, which is 
attached to a leg or a central tail feather of th§ bird. In 
the days which preceded the appearance of modern methods 



232 PETS 

of communication, the " Pigeon Post " was of the greatest 
value. Even now Homers are frequently used as messengers 
when other means are not available. 

The practice of exhibiting Flying Homers has led to the 
formation of several derivatives, which are valued purely 
as show birds, and are not used for flying. The oldest and 
best known of these is the Show Homer. This is the largest 
of the Homer breeds, and undoubtedly contains generous 
infusions of Scandaroon, Antwerp and perhaps other blood. 
Its chief characteristic is the head, which is very long and 
presents in profile a perfect curve from the crown to the tip 
of the beak. The latter is stout, straightly set and black 
in color. The wattle is smooth and neat, conforming to 
the curve of the head. The eye is white or pearl, sur- 
rounded by a small, fine cere of dark shade. 

An intermediate type is known in America as the Ex- 
hibition Homer. It is smaller than the Show Homer, with 
cobby body and short flights, while the head from crown to 
tip of beak is flat and straight in profile, instead of full 
and curved. Its other points are similar. In England, 
where these breeds originated, a rather absurd situation has 
arisen, through dissension among their various followers. 
It thus happens that the bird just described is known there 
as the Exhibition Flying Homer, while a very similar breed, 
with less exaggerated head points, is known as the Genuine 
Flying Homer. Since the two sorts are almost identical, 
and neither, in spite of reassuring titles, may in any sense 
be considered a true flying bird, the American solution seems 
the only way out of the difficulty. 



The Antwerp 

Another descendant of the Flying Homer is the modern 
Antwerp. It should not be confused with the Flying Homer, 



PETS 233 

although the latter bird was formerly known in this coun- 
try as the Antwerp. The breed to which the name properly 
belongs was developed from the old flying birds, various 
crosses undoubtedly being used. It is typically large and 
massive, in size perhaps second only to the Runt. Its chief 
characteristics are the head points. There are three types, 
known respectively as short, medium and long-faced. In 
the short-faced the beak is short and heavy, presenting, 
with the wattle and skull, a curve approaching a circle. The 
long-faced type has the bill much longer and naturallv less 
massive, the curve being more gradual from tip of beak to 
crown. The medium-faced lies between the two extremes. 
The beak wattle should be smooth and neat and just large 
enough to give the required fullness of face. Eye-cere 
should be small, fine and dark in color. The iris is deep red. 
Antwerps are found chiefly in blue, mealy and silver dun, 
and ])lue, black and red chequers. Of late years they have 
decreased in popularity, and in this country are kept very 
little. 

The Dragoon 

The origin of this bird is somewhat obscure, but it is an 
old breed, probably a branch of the same stock which pro- 
duced the ancient Horseman and the modern Carrier. Its 
close relation to the latter is undoubted, as shown by the 
tendency of many birds to become very heavily wattled as 
they progress in years. 

The Dragoon no doubt was at one time used as a mes- 
senger, but now is a fancy bird, pure and simple. It is of 
good size, stout in body with short tail and wings. The neck 
is of moderate length, with no hint of the elongation seen in 
the Carrier. The head is the point of greatest importance. 
The skull is broad and wedge-shaped, while the bill is straight 
and stout. The wattle is rather large, but should be as 



234 PETS 

smooth and fine as possible. It should be of such size and 
shape as to complete a nearly straight line from tip of man- 
dible to crown, above which it should not project. The 
eye-cere should be narrow and dark in color. The eye is 
bright red, except in whites, which are dark-eyed. 

Dragoons are one of the most popular breeds just now 
on both sides of the Atlantic, and are extensively bred. 
They occur in many colors. 

The Carrier 

Whatever the origin and the former uses of the Carrier 
may have been, it stands today as a breed which once was 
known as the " King of Pigeons," but now has greatly de- 
clined in popularity. It is probable that the ancestors of 
the Carrier and the Dragoon were identical, and both 
breeds may have been used for flying in the early days. 
However this may be, the Carrier was soon evolved into an 
exhibition bird, with neither the ability nor inclination for 
flying. 

The Carrier is of large size, and strong but slender 
build. The legs and neck are considerably elongated, giv- 
ing the bird a high station. The skull is flat and narrow, 
and the beak long and stout. The chief points are in the 
enormously enlarged, flesh-colored beak wattle and eye- 
ceres. In adult specimens the former extends to the end of 
the beak on both mandibles, and should be spherical in form. 
The eye-cere should be circular and reach nearly, if not 
quite, to the base of the wattle. These growths are but little 
developed in the young birds, increasing gradually until, at 
the age of three or four years, they are at their best. 

As already remarked, the accentuation of the abnormal 
wattling, which cannot be called attractive, has reduced the 
numbers of followers of the Carrier. Those who remain 



PETS 235 

are endeavoring to increase the slim, upstanding character 
and at the same time reduce the extreme wattHng. This 
seems to be the only hope of what is really a noble breed. 
Carriers are found chiefly in black, dun, blue, lavender, 
white and pied. The iris is red, except in whites, where it 
is dark. 

The Barb 

This bird appears to have been brought to England in 
much the same form as it exists today, from Mediterranean 
ports of North Africa. Almost throughout, except for eye- 
cere, it is the perfect antithesis of the Carrier, its body 
being cobby and its neck and legs short. The skull is usu- 
ally described as " square," being short and broad. The beak 
is short and stout, conforming to the blunt lines of the head. 
What there is of it is heavily wattled. The cere is the only 
point in which this breed agrees with the Carrier. It is 
broad, flat and circular, and bright red in color. Barbs 
occur in black, dun, red and yellow, the eye being pearl in 
each case. The Barb is another once fashionable breed, 
which has fallen on such evil days that a good bird is now a 
rarity. 

The Owls 

Of all the round-headed, short-billed breeds, the Owl is 
the least specialized, and has been thought to represent the 
ancestral strain of the Turbits and the Oriental Frills. The 
records are lost in antiquity, but at any rate it is certain 
that all are closely related, and had a common origin in 
northern Africa and Asia Minor. 

All of the Owls are short-bodied, cobby birds, full- 
breasted and sturdy. The beak is very short and decurved, 
forming, with the skull and wattle, a perfect circle. The 
gullet, or fold of skin under the lower mandible, is well 



236 PETS 

developed, and on the breast there is a row of inverted 
feathers, known as the frill. The English Owl is a large 
bird, developed in England from the original importations. 
It has been greatly coarsened in recent years by crossing 
with Antwerps. The breed never has been popular on this 
side, and appears to be losing favor in England. The Eng- 
lish Owl is found chiefly in blue, silver and dun. 

The African Owl is a very small and dainty breed. It 
lacks the coarse clumsiness of its larger relative, with which 
otherwise it is identical. It is bred extensively both in this 
country and in England. There is a wide range of colors, 
black, dun, white, blue and silver being the most common. 
Blacks and duns pied with white are often seen, and 
whites with black, blue or dun tails, known as " tailed," are 
not rare. Reds and yellows have never been brought to the 
state of perfection they deserve. 

The Chinese or Whiskered Owl is similar to the Afri- 
can, but has the frill considerably more developed and ex- 
tending around the sides of the neck. It is an exceedingly 
pretty bird and is kept here in some numbers. In England, 
however, it is not popular and is almost unknown. 

Owls, like all short-headed breeds, require feeders for 
rearing the young. Birds of moderate quality may have 
some success in feeding, but for really good ones the task 
is hopeless. The handling of feeders has already been 
described. 

The Turbit 

Like the Owl, the Turbit is a short, full-breasted bird, 
of cobby build. It is small in size and also has a frilled 
breast. The beak is short and stout, but less down-turned 
than that of the Owl. The skull rises prominently in front, 
falling off gradually toward the rear, where it is set off by 
a well-peaked crest. This crest rises from a mane which 



PETS 237 

extends up the back of the neck. The gullet is well de- 
veloped. The eye in all colors is large and dark, with ceres 
and wattle small and fine. 

In color the Turbit is pure white, with only the wings 
colored, leaving ten flights white on each side. The colors 
are black, dun, blue, silver, red, yellow and various 
chequers. So much interbreeding has been done that many 
Turbits are very deficient in this respect. Most breeders 
make use of feeders for the young. 

The Oriental Frills 

In the Oriental Frills the round-headed type has been 
brought to its greatest perfection. They have not only 
frills and crests, but complicated colors and patterns, and 
sometimes feathered legs as well. Asia Minor is undoubt- 
edly the home of these breeds, many of the best birds hav- 
ing been imported from Smyrna. Since their first appear- 
ance, which is within the memory of many persons still 
living, they have enjoyed great popularity, and are now 
kept in this country in very considerable numbers. 

The many varieties are much alike in structure, the chief 
differences being in the markings. All are of small size, 
with short, stout beaks, round heads and cobby bodies. 
Feathered legs and peak crests are found in some. 

The Satinette is white, with tail and wings, except the 
primaries, colored. The ground color of the wings is a 
very pale pink, edged with a narrow band of blackish shade. 
These markings must be sharp and even. The tail is dark 
blue, each feather having a round, white spot near its ex- 
tremity. The Satinette has feathered legs and a peak crest, 
although plain-headed birds are sometimes seen. 

The Brunette is similar, with grayish background and 
reddish lacing. The Bluette and Silverette are clear 



238 PETS 

blue or silver, respectively, on the wings, with two white 
bars. 

The Blondinettes are colored throughout, not merely 
in wingfs and tail, as are the varieties of the Satinette. 
They possess the full crest and boots, but have the eye red- 
dish instead of dark. They are of many colors, such as 
black, dun, red and yellow, darker on the neck and paler on 
the wings, where each feather is marked or laced with the 
darker shade. 

The tail feathers carry the round, white spots, while the 
flight feathers have an elongated, white mark, with darker 
edge. There are also blues and silvers, with white bars, 
edged with black. 

The TuRBiTEEN is nearly white, the wings, except the 
primaries, being colored, as well as three circular marks on 
the head. The spots should be of equal size, one on the fore- 
head and another on each cheek. It is found in most colors. 
The Turbiteen has the frill and boots, but lacks the crest. 

The Oriental Turbit is very Owl-like, being clear- 
legged and plain-headed. It is remarkable for its strong 
head points, and for this reason is frequently crossed with 
most other similar birds. It is white, with wing marks like 
those of the English Turbit, but usually has the tail colored 
as well. It is found in all colors. 

The Fan-tail 

The Fan-tail is one of the most popular and widely dis- 
tributed of fancy breeds, and is well known to every one. 
It undoubtedly is of Indian origin, and is always to be seen 
in numbers in the public markets of Calcutta. It has been 
bred in Great Britain for many years, the Scotch devoting 
their energies to producing a small, round "nervy" bird 
with deficient tail, while the English developed a strain with 



PETS 239 

very large tails, but coarse in body and poor in action. The 
problem of modern breeders has been to combine the two 
types, a task in which they have been completely successful. 

The Fan-tail of today is a small, round-bodied bird with 
hard, tight feathers. The head is carried far back, and when 
the bird is at attention it should rest at the base of the tail, 
thus throwing the chest into greater prominence. The head 
and neck are mo\ed continually, with a nervous, jerky 
motion. 

The tail rises nearly to the perpendicular, and should 
form more than half a circle, flat and well spread. Forty 
or more feathers have been recorded, but most birds carry 
several less. Evenness and freedom from breaks are of 
more importance than numbers. The wings should drop 
below the tail, without catching in the side feathers. 

The head of the modern bird is smooth, although at one 
time crested specimens were common. 

The Fan-tail is found chiefly in white, black, blue, red 
and yellow, although the tw^o latter have never been brought 
to the same state of perfection as the others. At the present 
moment an efl^ort is being made to fix the black-barred silver. 
There are also Saddlebacks, which have the wings colored, 
except for the primaries, as in the Turbits. 

In the Lace Fan-tail the feathers are deficient in web- 
bing, owing to the absence of the tiny booklets which nor- 
mally hold the barbs together. Laces are seen most fre- 
quently in white, but other colors are known. 

In breeding Fan-tails there is often difficulty in getting 
fertile eggs, owing to the extreme nervousness and constant 
action of the best birds. This is overcome to some extent 
by clipping the side feathers of the tail or even the entire 
tail. 



240 PETS 

The Jacobin 

The Jacobin represents the extreme development of the 
crest, and furnishes an excellent example of what can be 
accomplished, by careful selection, from a small beginning. 
It is a bird of medium size, but with the feathers very long 
and heavy, making it appear much larger. The body is slim 
and straight, with flights and tail well drawn out. The 
chief point is the hood, which has been brought to a state 
of great perfection. The feathers rise from the shoulders 
in a graceful curve, until they reach the head, around 
which they fit closely, covering the eye and beak. They 
extend forward, as well as backward and upward, meeting 
on the chest. The portion which fits around the head is 
known as the hood; the line from the hood to the back is 
called the mane, while the part that runs from the hood to 
the chest is called the chain. The feathers radiate from a 
point on each side of the neck, known as the rose. All por- 
tions must be smooth and free from breaks, the section most 
given to weakness being the upper part of the mane or 
" top." 

The head is round, while the beak is short and white 
in all colors. The eye is white or pearl. 

The standard Jacobin colors are black, red, yellow and 
white. The colored birds have the head, to a line running 
from the base of the mandibles, the flights, rump and tail, 
white. The greatest points of weakness in color are the 
chin, abdomen and thighs, which frequently are infused with 
white. 

There are also blues, but these are still in the making. 
In breeding Jacobins many off colors, such as strawberry, 
kite, various sorts of dun, splashes, etc., frequently occur. 
These are often birds of great excellence in other points, 
and are used for crossing with standard colors. 





Almond Short-faced Tumbler Black Shield 

Black Fan-tail Bluette 



242 PETS 

Well-bred Jacobins have the sight obstructed by the hood, 
so during the breeding season it is customary to trim the 
feathers around the eyes, and also the longer ones about the 
vent. 

The Pouters ^-j- 

The Pouters are a very distinct group, apparently with- 
out close relations, in which the inflation of the crop with 
air, which is common in all pigeons, has been carried to an 
extreme. There are several breeds, in all of which the crop 
development is of paramount importance. 

The Pouter proper is a large bird, with slender, upright 
body and long, slim legs. The latter are covered with 
feathers which lie closely until the feet are reached, where 
they spread out over the toes. The crop or " globe " should 
be as round as possible when expanded, and stand well out 
from the body. Narrowness of body girth, length and 
straightness of limbs and circular globe are the points most 
sought. Pouters occur in most colors, with a crescent on 
the crop, flights, underparts from a line just above the thighs, 
and primaries white. A few small white feathers, known 
as pinion marks, appear on the wing butts. Reds and yel- 
lows commonly have the tail white as well. The Pouter 
once was one of the most popular of pigeons, but has 
waned exceedingly of late years. Just now it is enjoying a 
wave of prosperity in this country, but how long this will 
endure is a matter of doubt. 

The Pygmy Pouter is a perfect miniature of its larger 
relative, and should resemble it in every particular except 
size, which should be as small as possible. The Pygmy is a 
particularly vivacious and friendly little fellow, and its 
great popularity is readily understood. 

The Norwich Cropper is intermediate in size between 
the two preceding and is clean-legged instead of booted. 



i\ 



PETS 243 

It lacks the length and slimness of its relatives, but excels 
in crop properties. The Cropper is noted for its merry 
nature, and is rapidly gaining followers in this country. 



The Performing Tumblers 

The Tumblers and their derivatives fall naturally into two 
groups : those which are bred for their flying or performing 
qualities and those which have lost these characters and are 
kept for exhibition purposes only. Since the former natu- 
rally preceded the others, we may consider them first. 

The action of the Tumbler is well known to nearly every 
one. In its simplest form it is a single backward somer- 
sault, made in flight, and from which the bird recovers 
gracefully. This may be increased to two or three turns 
in the Common Tumbler, or a swift succession of four or 
more in the Roller. " What makes the Tumbler tumble " 
no doubt has been a moot point among breeders ever since 
the first bird went over, and it has never been satisfactorily 
settled. That it has a physiological cause, such as a defec- 
tive inner ear or brain, there can be no doubt, but the prob- 
lem is so clouded by what appear to be psychological ques- 
tions that it will not easily be solved. At any rate, the 
facts remain that the bird does go over, that he does it more 
freely at certain times, as when flying with his mate, and 
that under stress of necessity, when pursued by a hawk or 
striving to regain his place in the kit, he flies as well as any 
pigeon. On the other hand, some individuals, particularly 
among Rollers, appear to lose entire control of themselves, 
and having started to roll, continue until they strike some 
object which stops their fall. Such birds, which are known 
as " roll-downs " or " mad rollers," never regain the ability 
to fly safely once they have lost it. 

The tumbling character responds to the usual laws of 



244 PETS 

breeding, and is transmitted to the offspring in accordance 
with them. The young bird, almost as soon as it is on the 
wing, starts to drop, with its tail elevated and wings held 
np. It practises continually, soon getting t'he tchack of turn- 
ing completely over. The method of learning is exactly 
what might be expected if tumbling were merely a habit, 
but there can be no doubt of a fundamental cause. 

The simplest form in which this phenomenon is seen is the 
Common Tumbler. This bird is abundant everywhere, 
and occurs in all colors. It is at its best flying about a 
garden, making its single or double turns. It will not fly 
for more than a few minutes at a time and is properly 
known as a " boy's pigeon." 

From this bird, apparently, the several more advanced 
forms have been developed. Those which both fly and per- 
form come under two heads : the Birmingham Roller and 
the West of England Tumbler. The Birmingham Roller 
has been particularly specialized for performing, which it 
does remarkably well. It makes a series of somersaults, 
from four or five to twenty or more, so swiftly and clearly 
that the eye can scarcely follow. When this is done by a 
kit in unison the effect is most striking. 

In Birmingham, England, where the breed appears to 
have originated, and where it is still extensively kept, the 
greatest attention is given to kit flying. Competitions are 
held at Christmas, in which the birds are judged for twenty 
minutes only. All must pack together closely and roll in 
unison. To get a kit to do this requires great patience 
and rigid selection. Birmingham breeders do not approve 
of high flying and endeavor to keep their birds low and 
not too long on the wing. 

In America, on the other hand, the demand is for high 
and long flying. That these two characters are not com- 
patible with the best rolling is perfectly evident. Constant 



PETS 245 

performing is exhausting and a good worker must either 
leave a high-flying kit or become a non-roller himself. The 
Roller is a natural high-flyer, but if the kit is to do its best 
performing its flying tendencies must to some extent be 
checked. 

The breeding, training and flying of Rollers is a fascinat- 
ing pursuit, presenting many obstacles which are not easily 
surmounted. To get a bird that will roll a medium dis- 
tance swiftly and cleanly, and still be able to maintain its 
position in the kit, is not an easy matter. Many advocate 
the mating of birds that work little to those that roll down, 
but this is not in accord with the writer's experience. Such 
matings may occasionally produce a good individual, but 
when this bird is used in turn its offspring are almost cer- 
tain to revert to the characters of its grandparents. This, 
no doubt, is the reason so many " roll-downs " are pro- 
duced. If such birds were never used for stock, their kind 
would be less common. 

Young Rollers should be got on the wing as soon as they 
are sufiiciently strong. They should not be urged, and at 
first will fly but ten or fifteen minutes. Any which drop 
out should be held in for a bit, as they will demoralize the 
others. They will gradually increase in time and height and 
soon will be going well. Young birds of some strains start 
rolling at an early age, others hardly tumble under six 
months. At any rate, when they do begin to develop they 
must be watched closely, to prevent the stronger birds from 
spoiling the others. An individual that is starting to work 
well will often be ruined by kit-mates which fly too fast 
and too long for it. 

Rollers, like all flying breeds, should be taught to drop 
together on a given spot and to enter the loft at once. 
Loitering in the loft-top will ruin the best. Many fliers 
train their birds to come down to a " dropper," usually a 



246 PETS 

white Fan-tail. The birds should be kept hungry, so that 
when the Fan-tail is thrown up they quickly learn to asso- 
ciate its appearance with food and are not long in descend- 
ing. Food is the rod that commands obedience, and through 
its judicious use absolute control may be maintained. 

Rollers are bred in all colors and of all markings. The 
latter in general approach those of Show Tumblers, such as 
Balds, Beards, Badges, Saddles, etc., but no attention is 
paid to details. Both bull and pearl eyes are found, as well 
as clear legs and boots. Flying and rolling are the only 
points that interest the Roller breeder. 

The West of England Tumbler has been developed 
' for flying, as the Roller has for performing. That the two 
breeds are closely allied cannot be denied by any one who 
is familiar with both, for they cannot be distinguished by 
sight. The " West " is a true high and long flyer, kits hav- 
ing been flown for twelve hours or more. Some individuals 
do not tumble, but most make a single, very rapid turn. 
Any heavy tumbling or rolling would not be tolerated in a 
kit, because of the detrimental effect on the flying. The 
West of England Tumbler is the bird that should be used 
by those who favor high flying and long time, as well as a 
little performing. The West occurs in the same colors and 
markings as the Roller. 

The Parlor Tumbler has the acrobatic tendency so well 
developed that it is unable to fly. It offers excellent evidence 
of the existence of a psychological factor in tumbHng, for 
at the slightest incitement it somersaults. A good bird is 
not able to rise from the floor, and at the slightest effort to 
do so tumbles. Parlors are divided into three groups : 
singles, which go over once; doubles, which go over twice 
in succession, and rollers, which roll backward on the floor, 
often until stopped by an obstacle. Singles and doubles 
must turn cleanly, close to the floor, and without bumping 



PETS 247 

themselves. It is naturally necessary, in breeding, to have 
all the nest boxes on the floor. Parlor Tumblers are bred 
chiefly in black, dun, red, yellow and splashed. 

The Exhibition Tumblers 

By careful selection and breeding a great variety of Tum- 
blers have been evolved which are prized for various colors 
and markings. Such birds have, in most cases, lost the tum- 
bling ability and are seldom given their liberty. Once 
despised as " boy's pigeons " they have risen to a state where 
they are among the most popular. Exhibition Tumblers are 
divided into two main groups — Short-faced and Long- 
faced. All varieties have at least one point in common, the 
white or pearl eye. The Short- faced really has a very short 
beak, but the so-called opposite is far from long in this 
feature. 

The Short-faced Tumbler is the fourth of the group 
once known as " high-class " pigeons, and like its fellow- 
erstwhile favorites, has of late lost greatly in prestige. Re- 
cently it has experienced something of a revival in this coun- 
try and some excellent specimens have been imported. The 
Short-faced is very small, in fact one of the most diminutive 
of pigeons. Its legs are short and the body chunky, with 
very full breast. The head is large and rounded, and broad 
between the eyes. The beak is extremely short, fine and 
pointed, and has the appearance of being set in beneath the 
bulging forehead. The little creatures are quite incom- 
petent to rear their own young and feeders must be utilized. 

Short-faces are bred in many colors, the most popular of 
which is still the almond. The Almond Short-face was once 
the most popular of pigeons and was bred in great num- 
bers. The exact cause of its decline is not easy to name, 
but it is a significant fact that to produce it to perfection 



248 PETS 

is a most difficult task. It is a beautiful bird, being a rich 
almond-brown, spangled throughout with deep black. The 
flights and tail should be variegated evenl}^ with almond, 
black and white. Hens are invariably weaker in color than 
cocks. Almonds usually leave the nest with very little 
spangling, then gradually becoming darker as age increases. 
Cocks are generally at their best after the third annual molt. 

In breeding two Almonds are seldom paired together. If 
this be done, the progeny are seldom of the color of their 
parents and very often " bladder-eyed," these organs being 
enlarged, projecting and quite useless for sight. It is cus- 
tomary to mate an Almond with an Almond-bred bird of 
another color. Those most frequently used are red and 
yellow agates, which are self s, with grizzled flights and tails ; 
kites, or bronzed blacks, and duns. It is unusual to get 
more than one Almond in a nest, and cocks are more numer- 
ous than hens. 

Short-faced Mottles, Balds and Beards also exist, but 
are now so scarce as to be almost never seen. 

The Long-faced Tumbler is subdivided with regard 
to presence or absence of feathers on the legs, the bird being 
known as a " mufif " in the first place and a " clean leg " 
in the other. In both varieties the body is short and com- 
pact, with prominent chest. The head is rounded, with 
well-developed top-skull. The beak is straight-set, stout 
and comparatively short. They are prolific breeders and 
excellent feeders. 

Clean-leg tumblers are bred in a great variety of colors, 
the most popular being the selfs — red, yellow, black and 
white. There are also solid blues and silvers and almonds. 
Among the marked varieties, some are very striking. Mot- 
tles are either black, red or yellow, with a rosette of white 
feathers, each separate from the others, on the shoulders, 
and a V-shaped mark on the back. In breeding Mottles 



PETS 249 

much use is made of selfs and splashes or " gay " birds, 
Mottle-bred, although standard Mottles often breed well 
together. Rosewings are similar to Mottles, but lack the 
back markings. 

Balds are found in most colors. The head, to a sharply 
defined line, starting just under the lower mandible, is 
white, as are the rump, tail and flights. These last should 
be ten on each side, llie thighs and abdomen, to a straight 
line across the breast, should be white. Present-day Balds 
are very deficient in color properties, at least in blacks, 
reds and yellows. 

Beards have the head colored, except for a white mark 
under the beak, which extends from eye to eye. The upper 
mandible is dark, the lower light. Tail, wings and under- 
parts are white, as in Balds. 

Whitesides are found only in reds and yellows, all efforts 
to produce blacks having failed. These are lovely birds, 
solid colored throughout, except for all of the wing coverts 
and the secondaries, which are pure white, thus making the 
markings exactly- opposite to that of the Turbit. White- 
sides are solid in color when they leave the nest, the white 
appearing at the first molt. 

Muffed Tumblers are now very popular, and rapid strides 
are being made in their improvement. They reseml:le the 
Clean-legs in all, except that the legs and toes are heavily 
enveloped in feathers. The longest of these should be three 
to four inches in length, the whole being arranged in cir- 
cular form. A tuft of stiff feathers, arising from just 
above the hock or heel, is also found in Muffs. 

Muffed Tumblers occur in the usual solid colors, chiefly 
red, yellow, black, white, blue and silver. There are also 
black, red and yellow Mottles and Rosewings, also red and 
yellow Whitesides. Beards are marked as in clean-legs, 
and in muffs there are also Badges and Saddles. 



250 PETS 

In Badges the body is solid in color, except for the 
flights and mufifs, which are white. The head markings, 
from which the name is derived, consist of a white bib, as 
in the Beard, with the addition of two small, pear-shaped 
markings extending downward from the lower mandible. 
There is also a small white dot over each eye and a narrow 
white stripe, known as the " blaze," on the forehead. 

Saddles have the head markings of Badges, but the color 
on the back is confined to the scapular feathers, making 
a heart-shaped mark, and leaving most of the wing white. 
The color on the breast is cut off at a sharp line near the 
point of the breast-bone, leaving the entire underparts and 
muffs white. The rump also is white, while the tail is dark 
in blacks and blues, and either colored or white in reds and 
yellows. 

The Tippler 

The Tippler is the high-flyer par excellence. Originally 
bred in the town of Macclesfield, Staffordshire, England, 
from ancestors now unknown, it undoubtedly is of the Tum- 
bler family, many specimens still exhibiting this trait. The 
typical Tippler is the old-fashioned " print," a nearly white 
bird, with dark flights and tail, and the head and body 
lightly sprinkled with bronze or brownish feathers. Fur- 
ther crosses with Tumblers have produced dun, grizzle, blue 
and silver barred, and various other colors. In form the 
Tippler conforms in general to the type of the Clean-leg 
Tumbler, 

Tipplers are noted for their easy, graceful wing action and 
the height and length of their flight. A good kit will often 
ascend in spirals until it is entirely lost from view, and will 
remain for hours at this great height. The sport of Tippler 
flying is exceedingly popular in England and is gaining head- 
way in this country. The record length of time flown is 



PETS 251 

eighteen hours thirty-two minutes, made at Leicester, Eng- 
land, by Mr. E. Chamberlain, on June 22, 191 3. 

Tipplers are commonly flown in kits of three, five or, 
more rarely, seven birds, preferably all of one sex. The art 
of flying these birds, as in too many other similar sports, 
is more or less enveloped in mystery, most initiated persons 
having a decidedly mean habit of keeping their " secrets " 
to themselves. Many diets and methods of training are 
whispered from one to another, each man pinning his faith 
to his own system. 

Young Tipplers should be treated as recommended for 
Rollers, except that the tumbling factor is eliminated, thus 
greatly simplifying matters. A very little training suf- 
fices to get youngsters flying well, and competitions are 
often flown with birds but eight or ten weeks old. It is 
essential that Tipplers be trained to a " dropper," as it often 
is much more difficult to get them down than to make them 
go up, many a good kit having been lost because of their 
failure to drop at night. Although, as already stated, many 
Tipplers tumble, such birds must be discarded, as their 
action interferes with the flying of the kit. 

As with most other flying pigeons. Tipplers have found 
their way to the show room. There are now several recog- 
nized standard varieties, bred entirely for exhibition pur- 
poses, without regard to their flying ability. These show 
birds resemble in type the Clean-leg Tumbler, except that 
the head is a little less full and the beak not quite so short 
and stout. 

There are three marked varieties. The Dark Mottle or 
Print is a dark chocolate color, the wing coverts evenly 
marked with white. The Light Mottle or Print has brown 
markings evenly distributed over a white ground, the flights 
and tail always remaining dark. The Light or Chuck is 
pure white throughout except for its flights and tail, and a 



252 PETS 

dark mark, deep brown in color, under the chin. The 
Self Tippler is a dark bronze chocolate throughout. The 
eyes are pearl and the beak and cere dark, in all varieties. 

The American High-flyer 

The American High-flyer or " Flight " is the only 
pigeon breed which has originated in America. It is a 
handsome bird, and since it has outlived its rather unsavory 
early associations, undoubtedly will become popular. At 
present it is bred very extensively in and near New York, 
but is little known elsewhere. 

The American High-flyer is a fairly large-sized bird, 
built on slim and graceful lines. The head is narrow, and 
the beak, which is always white, is long and tapering. The 
eye is an important point, being large and clear pearl, with 
red cere. All colors are found, the body being solid, with 
only ten primaries on each side white. There are also 
splashed birds, known as "tigers," and self whites. There 
are both plain-headed and crested or " capped " varieties. 

The High-flyer was produced from flying birds of Ger- 
man derivation, but just which ones is obscure. The Bruns- 
wick Beard, however, undoubtedly took a conspicuous 
part. For many years these birds were used by men and 
boys about New York for the purpose of catching stray 
pigeons, flocks being trained to fly and drop at signal. Now 
that the High-flyer has risen to the status of a show pigeon 
there is no doubt of its future success. 

The Cumulet 

Of high-flying pigeons, the Cumulet is undoubtedly one 
of the oldest. Once in great esteem in Europe, it has been 
all but lost sight of until within recent years, when it has 



PETS 253 

enjoyed a revival. It is a pigeon of great merit as a high 
flyer and it is to be hoped that it will now be restored to its 
former rank. The Cumulet is rather larger than a Tumbler, 
slender in body, and with long, narrow head and beak. The 
eye is noted for the unusual size and clearness of the white 
iris. The color is either pure white, or, more commonly, 
white lightly ticked with pale red. 

The Nun 

The Nun, like most of the marked pigeons, is of Con- 
tinental origin. Its Tumbler-like form and white eye indi- 
cate a derivation from this group, but nothing definite 
appears to be known. It is very prettily marked, the body 
being white, while the flights, tail, head, sides of neck and 
throat are colored. The nape carries a very large and full 
shell crest, which should be entirely white on both surfaces, 
Blacks are the best and the most numerous, but blues, duns, 
reds and yellows are rapidly improving. 

The Magpie 

That the Magpie is really a modified Tumbler there can 
be no doubt, for within the writer's memory tumbling Mag- 
pies were frequently seen. Many of those birds were 
crested, but the present type is plain-headed. 

The Magpie is marked somewhat like a Saddle-backed 
Tumbler, except that the white rump and head markings are 
lacking. The head and neck, breast to the point of the 
sternum, the scapulars, rump and tail are colored, while 
the remainder is white. Richness of color is a point for 
which Magpies are famous. Blacks excel in type, with 
reds and yellows a close second. Blues, silvers, duns and 
creams have never equaled the others, but are making 
rapid strides. 



254 PETS 

Once a bird of markings, the Magpie has recently be- 
come one of type. The old-fashioned birds were Tumbler- 
like in form, but later breeders developed a slimmer sort 
in which the body, limbs and neck were as slender and grace- 
ful as possible. Within the last few years a remarkable 
advance has been made by resorting to an extremely high- 
stationed French breed, the Bagadais. The advent of these 
" modern type " birds created a sensation in the Magpie 
fancy, many old-time breeders being forced to give up. 
The English firm which produced these birds swept the 
deck at shows for several years and then engaged in the 
profitable business of disseminating their stock. Many 
" modern " Magpies have been brought to this country, and 
once the markings have been regained will greatly improve 
the breed here. 

The Helmet 

The Helmet, which comes to us from Continental Eu- 
rope, is generally considered among the German Toy 
Pigeons, but it differs from them in general type, and ap- 
pears to be another Tumbler derivative. At any rate, it is 
of Tumbler form, with round head, short, stout beak and 
pearl eye. It is white in general, with the tail and the 
head, to a line starting from the juncture of the mandibles, 
colored. The upper mandible is dark, the lower white. 
Helmets are found in all colors, and there are both crested 
and plain-headed varieties. 

The German Toy Pigeons 

The German Toys are so called because of the fact that 
their characteristics are chiefly those of color and markings, 
rather than of structure, thus making them more easily bred. 
In body they are of the Rock Dove type, with narrow heads 



PETS 255 

and thin beaks. In markings and color they present a won- 
derful diversity, comparable only with the Oriental Frills, 
Most of the best known Toys are very heavily mufifed, 
although some are clean-legged. To describe all here would 
require more space than is available and only a few of 
the most common will be mentioned. 

The Swallow is a typical Toy, with long body and short 
legs, the latter being very heavily mulTed. The head car- 
ries a wide shell crest. The markings consist of colored 
crown, wings, except for the scapulars, and mufifs. There 
are many colors, including blues, either solid or with black 
or white bars, blacks, solid or white-barred, reds, yellows 
and various spangles and chequers. The Fairy or Spot 
Swallow is similar, but has the color on the head confined 
to a small spot on the forehead. 

The Shield somewhat resembles the Swallow, but is 
plain-headed. It is white throughout except for the wing 
coverts and secondaries, which are colored, as in the Turbit. 
Blacks, blues, reds and yellows, with white bars, are the 
most abundant. 

The Ice Pigeon is of similar type, but has no white 
markings. The most common ones are of a peculiar pale 
lavender tint, not seen in any other pigeon. This color 
extends over the entire bird, being uniform throughout. 
White-barred, spangled and laced varieties are also bred. 

The Hyacinth is like the foregoing in body, but is 
clean-legged. It is of a blackish-blue color above and be- 
low, the wing coverts being of a pale brownish cast, with 
fine, dark markings. Most of the Toys are represented in 
this country by a few pairs in large collections. Some, how- 
ever, as the Swallows, are extensively bred. 



256 PETS 

Miscellaneous Breeds 

Under this head we may briefly consider a few of the 
less well-known breeds which are worthy of mention. 

The ScANDAROON is a large, rather ungainly bird, with 
a long, down-curved beak. Markings are as in the Magpie, 
except that the head and upper neck are white, save a small 
oval patch below each eye. There are also solid colored 
birds. This is an ancient breed, which has been much used 
in the foundation of modern races, such as the Show Homer 
and the Magpie. 

The Archangel has no structural peculiarities, its form 
being much like that of the common pigeon, except for a 
very sharp, high crest on the head. The back, wings and 
tail are metallic black, the remainder of the body being 
either a dark, reddish bronze or a paler, yellowish shade. 
The breed is noted for the richness and brilliancy of its 
plumage, points in which it is unexcelled. 

The Russian Trumpeter is remarkable for its curious 
voice and profuse feathering. It is a large-sized bird of 
low stature. The head bears a heavy rosette, which radi- 
ates in all directions from the center, as in the Crested 
Canary, while on the nape is a well-developed shell crest. 
The legs are very heavily feathered. In color there are 
blacks, whites and mottles. 

The Frillback is of the common type of body, the legs 
being lightly booted. Its distinguishing character is found 
in the wing coverts, which are curled or frilled. Frillbacks 
are bred in all colors, and just now are popular in this 
country. 

Utility Breeds 

Under this head may be grouped a number of pigeons of 
diverse appearance, but generally agreeing in their large 



PETS 257 

size. All are essentially utility birds, but they are now being 
adapted to show-room standards. 

The Runt, contrary to the suggestion of its name, is the 
largest of pigeon breeds, good specimens often weighing 
two and one-half pounds. The bird is of the common pigeon 
type, but is so enormously enlarged that its body, head and 
beak appear comparatively stout. Runts have been much 
used by squab breeders, but the present tendency seems to 
be toward Runt crosses or the smaller breeds. Runts are 
found in all solid colors. 

The Hen Pigeon, while considerably less than the Runt 
in size, is a large bird. It is curiously shaped, the body 
being short and the narrow tail pointing upward. The 
neck is long and parallels the tail, giving a curious effect. 
The old-type birds are now becoming more refined and 
slender. Hen Pigeons occur in all the solid colors. 

The Carneau, while large in size, is still very active. It 
is rather reachy in neck and limbs, but retains good body 
size. This breed has been much favored by commercial 
squab producers because of its unusual ability as a pro- 
ducer of large numbers of heavy squabs. Carneaux are 
bred chiefly in solid red and yellow, also mottles and rose- 
wings. 



SECTION III 
THE AQUARIUM 



CHAPTER XIII 

GENERAL CARE 

What normal family has never included among its varied 
possessions a tank of goldfishes? The goldfish is almost as 
ubiquitous as the canary, but unfortunately there has ex- 
isted an almost universal lack of knowledge of the proper 
care of this creature, and the first disastrous attempt at 
keeping it is almost invariably the last. Just why this con- 
dition should exist is not easy to say, as the needs of the 
goldfish are simplicity itself. Perhaps the dealers are re- 
sponsible, in a way, for it is to them that the tyro looks for 
advice as to his new acquisitions. Very often, no doubt, 
help is not solicited, the purchaser taking it for granted that 
his crystal globe is the acme of perfection by way of a 
habitation, and well suited to the comfort and exhibition of 
its inmates, if only the water be changed daily! What 
drudgery has been caused by this fallacy, and what secret 
thanks have gone forth when the heavy globe finally has 
been dropped, or otherwise broken, on one of its many 
trips to the nearest tap! 

But understanding of the aquarium is spreading. Al- 
most every large city has its Aquarium Society, composed 
of enthusiasts who devote their spare time to the cultivation 
of aquatic life. Dealers are acquiring information, and are 
learning that more is to be gained by ofifering their patrons 
facts than by withholding them. Many schools maintain 
balanced aquaria, so that the students are able to learn 
something of modern methods. Thus the truth about the 
aquarium is being disseminated among the public, and the 
effect is already discernible. 

261 



262 PETS 

The popularity of the goldfish in the home is attested by 
the many thousands sold yearly, at something less than popu- 
lar prices. Conceive a glass bowl, five inches in diameter, 
equipped with a handful of gravel and a spray of sickly 
aquatic plant, and inhabited by two infantile goldfishes, 
the whole offered for sale for ten cents, with a food wafer 
or two thrown in ! Consider, also, the untimely end of these 
unfortunates, condemned by a combination of ignorance 
and sincere love of the beautiful. 

Yet the picture has its bright side. The amazing eager- 
ness with which these little bowls are bought shows a wide- 
spread desire for something alive, and only a little knowl- 
edge, properly applied, is necessary to develop a really 
humanizing movement. In all of the list of creatures com- 
monly kept in the home, there is none which will thrive as 
well, with so little care, and give so much pleasure and 
satisfaction, as the goldfish. Once the simple principle of 
the balanced aquarium is understood, the way is opened 
to a vast field of interest and instruction. 

As the fish draws the water through its gills, oxygen 
passes into the blood and, in circulating, combines with 
waste products of the tissues, and is expelled again into the 
water in the form of carbon dioxide, a poisonous gas. Thus 
it is that the water of tanks which are deficient in plant life 
soon becomes vitiated and must be renewed to save the lives 
of the inmates. But if the aquarium is supplied with grow- 
ing plants this trouble is overcome. Carbon is exactly what 
the plant requires for its own growth, but it has no use for 
oxygen. Hence, having absorbed the gas through its leaves, 
it retains the needed element and returns the oxygen to 
the water. Thus is the water constantly kept aerated, and 
suitable for the maintenance of animal life. An aquarium 
of correct shape, placed in a favorable position, and stocked 
with a suitable number of fishes and healthy aquatic plants 



PETS 263 

sufficient to provide them with oxygen, may remain un- 
touched for years, except for the occasional removal of 
sediment and the addition of water to replace that which 
has evaporated. This evaporation has a decidedly beneficial 
effect upon the air of the room in which the aquarium is 
placed, especially in modern steam-heated apartments, which 
invariably are lacking in moisture. 

Besides the goldfish there are many interesting denizens of 
our own ponds and streams which will live well in the aqua- 
rium, and a great number of foreign fishes, mostly tropical, 
which represent an amazing range of variation in form, color 
and habit. These last are more difficult to care for than 
the common varieties of the goldfish, but a very little ex- 
perience suffices, and their much greater attraction more 
than compensates for the slightly increased effort necessary 
to keep them in health. While some of these fishes will be 
referred to later on, space forbids mention of them all, but 
the reader is assured that a pursuit of great scope and fas- 
cination awaits him who cares to specialize in these forms. 

The Aquarium and Its Care 

The globe above referred to, aside from its small size and 
improper equipment, is an abomination from its shape as 
well. No matter how large, a vessel of this sort, because of 
the small surface of water exposed, is never properly 
aerated ; and, moreover, so distorts the fishes that their 
true size and proportions remain entirely unknown to the 
observer. Cylindrical tanks are much better, if not more 
than two-thirds full of water, and aside from a certain 
amount of distortion, are perfectly satisfactory. The most 
suitable shape, however, is the square or rectangular. Tanks 
of this sort may be had made entirely of glass, but while 
these are attractive, they are expensive and easily broken. 



264; PETS 

Probably the most satisfactory is the glass aquarium with a 
frame of metal. The cheaper grades have metal bottoms as 
well, but the best and most serviceable are floored with 
slate. Tanks of this sort are not at all difficult to make, 
but the beginner might much better invest in the excellent 
offerings of dealers in aquaria. There are many recipes for 
aquarium cement, but their mixture is a matter calling for 
some skill, and if the amateur pisciculturist essays the manu- 
facture of a tank, or repairs are required, it is much better 
to secure a packet of suitable cement already prepared. 

In placing the aquarium, there are certain rules to be 
observed. If they are to thrive, the plants must have a 
varying amount of light, according to their habit, some 
requiring more than others, but direct sunshine during the 
summer months is most undesirable. In the first place, it 
overheats the water, causing it to give off oxygen, thus often 
imperiling the lives of the inmates. Most plants will not 
do well under such conditions, and the growth of undesir- 
able algse is certain to be caused. For these reasons, a 
strong north light is the most suitable for the aquarium, 
which should be placed in or very near a window. During 
the winter a little sunshine during the morning is desirable, 
and for this purpose an eastern exposure is best. Sunshine 
at this time will serve tp warm the water slightly, and will 
stimulate the plants to a. proper activity. If a southern 
or western window is the Qnly one available, the aquarium 
may be protected to some extent by the introduction of an 
opaque fender, such as a piece of cardboard, between it and 
the light. A tank fully stocked is heavy, and its support 
should be well looked to. 

A piece of glass should cover the top of the tank, under 
any circumstances. If it fits tightly, leaving no air space 
whatever, it will be found a world by itself, evaporating 
water condensing on the glass top, and returning like natural 



PETS 265 

dew. Dust is entirely excluded and many delicate aquatic 
plants will be found to thrive much better. It also prevents 
the possibility of loss of leaping fishes, a habit to which 
most species are subject. For the sake of benefiting the 
atmosphere of the room, however, it is often desirable to 
have the glass cover short enough to leave a narrow space at 
the ends, or to have it slightly raised all around. In this 
case it will be necessary to add fresh water at intervals, as 
evaporation takes place. 

If a green growth of alg?e gathers on the sides of the 
aquarium, it may be removed from the side facing the room 
by rubbing with a piece of cheesecloth, or other coarse 
material, attached to the end of a stick or long pair of 
forceps. The only objection to the presence of the algae 
is that they obscure the vision. In fact, they are decidedly 
beneficial, acting as aerators, and also furnishing food for 
the fishes. 

All dead portions of plants should be removed, and sedi- 
ment at the bottom should be taken out by suction with 
a glass tube, obtainable in drug or aquarium supply stores. 
If these matters are carefully looked after, and there is a 
proper balance between plant and animal life, it will not 
be necessary to dismantle and thoroughly clean the aquarium 
except at very long intervals. 

Stocking the Aquarium 

In stocking the aquarium, the first consideration is a cov- 
ering for the bottom. For this purpose a mixture of sand 
and fine gravel is generally the best. It should be washed 
and rewashed with great care, until all soluble and float- 
ing matter has been eliminated, and the water remains per- 
fectly clear. It should then be placed in the tank to a 
depth of one or two inches, according to size. It is best to 



266 PETS 

slope it gradually from back to front, and toward one 
corner. This aids observation, and causes refuse to gather 
at the lowest point, whence it may easily be removed with a 
rubber siphon or glass tube. The most desirable aquatic 
plants derive their nourishment directly from the water, 
so that the gravel's chief function, as far as the plants are 
concerned, is simply to hold them in position. Lilies and 
certain other delicate plants require soil and may be set in 
small pots, with the soil covered with gravel. 

Small tanks should not be obstructed with rockwork, but 
if something of the sort is desired, it is best constructed of 
natural stones, in the form of arches, bridges, etc. Artificial 
castles, images and other articles of the sort are in decidedly 
doubtful taste, and will not be used by the discriminating. 

The plants with which the aquarium is to be stocked have 
much to do with its ultimate success, and should be selected 
with the greatest care. The aquarist who lives in the coun- 
try or suburbs will get much pleasure from collecting them 
himself from neighboring ponds or streams. Almost any 
submerged aquatic plant found growing naturally will thrive 
in the aquarium, and a little experience will quickly demon- 
strate the few which will not. If the beginner is not so 
fortunately placed, he must depend on the dealer for his 
supply. Curiously enough, the plant most commonly kept 
by dealers is one of the most unsatisfactory in the aquarium. 
This is Fanwort (Cabomba), of which there are several 
species. All are difficult to keep healthy except under the 
best conditions, but if they must be used, the bundles in 
which they are sold should be separated, and each sprig 
should have from one-third to one-half of its base removed. 
Each should then be planted separately. 

The best plants for the amateur are the Swimming Arrow- 
wort (Sagittaria natans) and the various species of Water- 
weed (Anacharis or Elodea). The former is somewhat 



PETS 267 

grass-like in appearance, but with broad, strong leaves. 
Once it has become established in the aquarium, it sends 
out shoots which develop rapidly. It is a good aerator, and 
probably the most satisfactory of all aquatics. Anacliaris 
is a long, stringy plant, having three or more small, nar- 
row leaves arranged in whorls at frequent intervals along 
the stem. It is extremely hardy and a good aerator, its 
greatest fault being the rapidity with which it grows, neces- 
sitating its frequent trimming back. 

Tapegrass (Vallisneria spiralis) is another valuable 
aquarium plant. It much resembles Sagittaria, but its 
leaves are more narrow and ribbon-like, and it has a some- 
what different habit of growth. It is a good aerator and 
propagates well. 

Certain species of False Loosestrife (Ludivigia) are at- 
tractive if they can be established. They are rather deli- 
cate in the aquarium, but if not too badly crowded, and 
given plenty of light, will often thrive. 

The Pondweeds {Potamogcton) do not, as a rule, make 
satisfactory additions to the aquarium flora, although they 
are sometimes offered by dealers. When secured in this 
way, the delicate leaves are almost invariably injured, 
and as even healthy plants will thrive only under the 
most favorable circumstances their acquisition is not 
advised. 

There are many small floating plants which, while their 
value as aerators is almost negligible, add greatly to the 
beauty of the aquarium. Of these the Duckweeds (Lcmna), 
Moss- ferns (Salvinia) and Floating Riccia (Riccia or Ric- 
ciella) are the hardiest and most easily obtained. The 
Bladderworts (Utricidaria), while always submerged, float 
close to the surface. Their bright green traceries make 
them attractive, but they should never be kept in the breed- 
ing aquarium, as the tiny " bladders " are traps from which 



268 PETS 

newly hatched fishes cannot escape, although they may 
enter freely enough. 

After the plants have been selected, and before they are 
placed in the aquarium, they should be immersed in solu- 
tions of salt, creolin, potassium permanganate or other 
sterilizing agents, the action of which will not destroy their 
tissues. This will serve to destroy any harmful parasites, 
fungus spores, etc., which might otherwise be introduced 
into the tank. After they have been removed from the 
sterilizer, the plants must be rinsed thoroughly in clear 
water, to remove all traces of it from the foliage. 

The plants used should be grouped according to their 
needs as to light, etc., and set before the tank is filled. 
When they have been arranged, the water should be added 
with great care, to avoid disturbing them. This may be 
accomplished by means of a small sprinkler, or by pour- 
ing the water in a piece of paper free from print. After 
the completed aquarium has stood for a day or two, to 
insure an equable temperature and proper aeration, it is 
ready for its occupants. 

One inch of Goldfish to each gallon of water is the safest 
proportion for the permanent tank. 

Besides fishes, certain other creatures form part of the 
balanced aquarium. The most important of these are the 
snails, which, besides the added interest of their presence, 
serve a useful purpose as scavengers, and removers of the 
ever-present algae. There are many species, all of which are 
more or less suitable for the aquarium. Some feed largely 
on the plants, but when these are in a healthy growing con- 
dition the slight depredations of the snails are negligible, 
and more than overbalanced by the services they perform. 

The most common native species are the Pond- or Mud- 
snails (LimncFa). The most abundant form is a small, 
blackish creature, found in ponds and ditches everywhere. 



P E T S 269 

It is somewhat destructive to plants, but a few specimens 
will not injure vigorous growths. 

The species of Planorbis, the Trumpet-snails, are more 
desirable. There are a number of native species, and the 
common European form is usually obtainable from dealers. 
There is also an albinistic variety of this snail which is much 
in demand among aquarists. The fleshy parts and shell, 
especially in younger specimens, are bright red in color, and 
they are very effective among the green foliage of the 
aquatic plants. 

The Pond- and Trumpet-snails propagate by means of 
eggs, which are deposited in masses on the plants or sides 
of the aquarium, enclosed in gelatinous capsules. If undis- 
turbed, these hatch in about two weeks, according to the 
temperature of the water. All fishes large enough to do so 
will feed voraciously on the young snails, and some will 
attack the eggs, so that few are generally reared in the 
aquarium. If the eggs or young, or, better still, the breed- 
ing snails, are removed to a small tank or jar where they 
will not be disturbed, large numbers may be reared without 
difficulty. The young should be fed on tender leaves of let- 
tuce and fine fish food. 

The larger snails of the genus Paliidina are harmless to 
the plants when the supply of food is sufficient. They may 
be distinguished from the preceding species by the posses- 
sion of an opercle, with which they are able to close the 
opening of the shell. In these snails the eggs, after fer- 
tilization, are retained by the female, the young finally 
emerging fully equipped with shells and large enough to 
escape the attentions of all but the strongest fishes. 

One or two tadpoles should always be kept, as much for 
the interesting metamorphoses through which they pass as 
for their value as devourers of refuse and algae. Tadpoles 
of the common Green Frog are the most desirable. 



270 PETS 

Some aquatic insects, such as the Water-strider and 
WhirHgig Beetle, may safely be kept in the aquarium, but 
it is best to avoid the larger and stronger species, many 
of which will attack and kill the fishes. Dragon-fly and 
other larvae must not be introduced, as they are among the 
most destructive enemies of young or small fishes. 

Turtles and crayfish are interesting and will thrive if 
properly treated, but must not be kept in the general 
aquarium. Even the smallest specimens will attack the 
fishes, killing the weaker ones and tearing the tails of those 
strong or active enough to escape them. 

Diseases 

Unfortunately, in common with other captive creatures, 
as well as those in freedom, fishes are subject to a variety 
of diseases. These are not numerous, and the most com- 
mon are caused by fungi or animal parasites. If proper 
care is used in the introduction of plants, attacks of this 
nature are infrequent. When they do occur, the best course 
to pursue is to remove and destroy the entire contents of the 
infected tank, purify it thoroughly and restock it. 

If fishes are carelessly handled scales will be loosened or 
removed, rendering the specimen subject to attack by 
fungus, the spores of which are ever present in the water. 
The result is the appearance of a milky, stringy cloud 
which adheres to the victim and moves about with it. When 
this is noticed the fish should be removed, and immersed for 
a short time in a weak solution of salt in water. After this 
treatment has been repeated two or three times, improve- 
ment will be noted, and a full recovery may finally be 
achieved, but once the fungus has penetrated beneath the 
scales it is difficult to eradicate. 

The so-called black fungus is a common disease among 



PETS 271 

newly imported goldfishes. It is caused by animal para- 
sites, the presence of which is shown by dark patches on 
various parts of the victim, covering open sores. Treat- 
ment is almost hopeless, and if solutions of salt, potassium 
permanganate or other germicides are of no avail, it is best 
to destroy the fish and overhaul the aquarium. 

There are a great many animal parasites which are de- 
structive to fishes, the worst being an infusorian known as 
Ichthyopthirius. The first indication of the presence of this 
parasite is the appearance of small, round, whitish spots 
which gradually spread to other parts of the fish's body. 
The victim becomes greatly emaciated and dies within a 
few days. Many methods, such as the usual immersions, 
heating of the water to 90° Fahrenheit, etc., have been tried 
to little purpose, and very few cures are effected. 

It is pertinent to note at this point that when fishes must 
be removed from the tank, they should always be caught in a 
net of coarse cloth. They should never be lifted in metal 
strainers, or in the hand, as it is almost impossible to 
avoid injury, slight though it may be. Carelessness in this 
respect is often the primary cause of serious loss. 

It is important, also, that the temperature of the water in 
which a fish is to be placed be the same as that from which 
it came. This is an important point, especially with deli- 
cate species, and lack of observance may cause severe losses. 

After all is said and done, the tyro's safest course is to 
keep the aquarium clean and take every possible precaution 
against the introduction of disease. A sick fish is a diffi- 
cult subject, and a fresh start is usually the only means of 
relief. 



CHAPTER XIV 

AQUARIUM FISHES 

The Goldfish 

The most popular aquarium fish is, of course, the Goldfish 
(Carassius auratus). Small examples of the common vari- 
ety may be had for as little as five cents each, but when 
the more valuable sorts are reached it is possible to invest 
many hundreds of dollars in a few specimens. The modern 
goldfish was produced by careful selection of albinistic 
individuals of a member of the carp group. Most of the 
work of developing the many varieties has been done in 
Japan and China, whence we have received some really 
wonderful fishes. 

Goldfish of the better varieties are found in the usual 
scaled condition, and also with the scales so thin and deli- 
cate that they are almost invisible. Fishes of this type are 
known as transparently scaled or " scaleless." They are 
somewhat more sensitive to cold than the normally covered 
breeds, but otherwise are equally hardy. 

The Shubunkin is a variety of the common goldfish, 
at least in form. It is transparently scaled and very strik- 
ingly colored — a mixture of black, blue, purple and reddish 
blotches, usually on a whitish background. The Shubunkin 
has only recently been brought to this country from Japan, 
and just now is deservedly popular. 

The most simple modification in form is noticed in the 
breed known as the Comet, which has the body of a com- 
mon goldfish, somewhat elongated, and with all of the fins 
and the tail greatly lengthened. It is pretty and graceful as 

272 




Common Goldfish 



Scaleless Telescope Goldfish 




Japanese Scaleless Veil-tailed 
Goldfish 



Haplochilus cameroonefists 



274 PETS 

well as hardy, and well suited to the needs of the beginner. 

Then comes the group, including practically all of the 
most remarkable varieties, in which the tail and also the 
anal fin are in duplicate. With most creatures, when abnor- 
mal repetitions of parts occur, the individual is unable to 
survive. In the goldfishes, however, the probably fortuitous 
appearance of monsters has led to the development of the 
finest breeds. 

The Japanese Fan-tail is the simplest representative 
of this type, and is always obtainable from dealers. It is 
not in good repute among breeders of fancy fishes, as many 
of the specimens are simply degenerates of more advanced 
forms. Nevertheless, it is frequently very handsome, and 
is always popular with the tyro. The two tails should 
be well separated, and not joined at the edges of the upper 
• lobes, as is often the case. 

This fish undoubtedly was the forerunner of the truly 
lovely Japanese Veil-tail, a breed in which the tremen- 
dously developed double tail is produced to a great length 
and width, and droops downward like folds of gossamer. 
Like all of the following varieties, the Veil-tail should have 
a short, egg-shaped body, with the dorsal fin carried well up. 

Beside the Veil-tail proper, there are two minor sub- 
divisions, separated by the shape of the tail extremities. 
The typical form has a slight notch. When this depression 
is entirely wanting, the fish is known as a Square-tail or 
Broad-tail. A very deep incision makes the specimen a 
Ribbon-tail or Fringe-tail. This is really the finest of the 
goldfishes, since it is of surpassing grace and beauty, and 
has not been marred by the hideous extremes to which 
some others have been carried. 

Having brought the development of the fins to a point 
approaching perfection, Oriental breeders seem next to 
have turned their attention to the eyes, with a result which 



PETS 275 

certainly is not pleasing to the uninitiated observer. The 
fishes of this group are known as the Telescopes. Their 
eyes protrude surprisingly, being entirely outside the skull 
proper, and should be cylindrical in shape, never globular. 

The Telescopes are found in all the variations of tail, 
scales and color that are seen in the Japanese varieties. The 
most popular color seems to be the curious pattern of the 
Shubunkin, known among Telescopes as calico. One of the 
finest is the Black or Moor, which is a rich and startling 
bluish-black. Unfortunately, this color is not always perma- 
nent, especially among American-bred fishes. 

The extreme pinnacle in the exaggeration of the goldfish 
is reached in the Celestial Telescope. This fish is of an 
amazing ugliness, the protruding eyes being so turned that 
they can gaze only upward. It also lacks the dorsal fin, 
and the tail is double but frequently not lengthened. 
Altogether it furnishes an excellent example of the fact 
that variations of domestic creatures often are carried far 
beyond the commonly accepted bounds of beauty. Still, 
this fish will appeal to lovers of the grotesque, and as a 
monument to the breeder's skill it stands supreme among 
the fishes. The direction of the staring eyes is decidedly 
suggestive, and only thoroughly initiated breeders regret 
the fact that the secret of reproducing the Celestial Tele- 
scope has not yet been revealed to breeders outside the 
Orient. 

The latest arrivals from Japan are the Lion Head and 
its cousin, the Oranda. The former is the more popular, 
from $25 to $100 each being asked for really good adult 
specimens. The Lion Head is a rather large fish, rounded 
and massive in body. The tail is divided but short, and 
there is no dorsal fin. In color it is either gold or pearl, 
with bright red head. The scales are coarse and heavv. 
The characteristic feature of the breed is seen in the head, 



276 PETS 

which is covered with a protuberant, fleshy growth, extend- 
ing down over the cheeks. This hood appears when the 
fish is about eighteen months old, and reaches its greatest 
development in about two and one-half yi^ai;s. ■■ 

Only within the last year or two have American breeders 
been able to produce good young of this form, perhaps be- 
cause of the scarcity of suitable breeding stock. All of 
the best adults now seen are imported fishes, but it is hoped 
that within two or three years domestic specimens will have 
developed sufficiently to equal them. 

The Oranda is very similar to the Lion Head, but differs 
in possessing a heavy veil tail and a well-developed dorsal 
fin. The hood is less pronounced, but this may be merely 
individual, as the Oranda is not yet so well known as the 
Lion Head. 

Goldfishes are easily kept if properly fed, and are not 
difficult to breed. The chief point in feeding all fishes is 
not to give more than is taken at once. If any remains, it 
should be carefully removed. No hard and fast rules for 
frequency can be laid down, but the fishes should be fed 
once or twice a day, according to their willingness to par- 
take. Like all of the carps, goldfishes are chiefly vege- 
tarians, and the bulk of the food should be of this nature. 
The white wafers commonly sold as goldfish food are most 
undesirable, as they contain little nourishment and discolor 
the water. 

Excellent foods, mostly of German origin, are sold by 
all dealers. They are composed of proper mixtures of 
natural animal and vegetable food, and are well calculated 
to sustain life. Goldfishes will also take boiled cereals, 
ants' " eggs," dry or fresh, bits of chopped clams and 
worms, and almost any insects small enough for them to 
swallow. 

Those who care to take the trouble, or are unable to 



PETS 277 

secure suitable food, can easily manufacture their own. 
White and graham flour and various cereals may be mixed 
with finely ground dried shrimp, ants' eggs, or other animal 
food, and beaten up with a sufficient quantity of fresh eggs. 
A small amount of table and Epsom salts should also be 
added. No set formula can be given, as the constituents are 
varied according to the needs of the fishes kept, but the 
proper proportions are easily determined. The dough is 
then baked, thoroughly dried and ground to the desired 
size. Food suitable for the needs of every aquarium fish 
can be made in this way, and it will keep indefinitely. 

The goldfish breeds in the spring, and when one or two 
individuals are observed driving another about the tank 
constantly they should be placed out of reach of interference 
by non-breeders. The eggs are small, clear globules, 
which are attached singly to the plants by the female, and 
there fertilized by the male. After they have been deposited, 
the fishes should be removed, as they will eat the eggs if al- 
lowed to remain. Tadpoles and snails will destroy them 
also, and must not be kept in the breeding aquarium. The 
eggs, at a favorable temperature, will hatch in about three 
days, the young being extremely minute, and with large 
egg sacs attached. They will keep very quiet for a few days, 
but soon begin to move about the aquarium, feeding on 
the protozoans, chiefly infusoria, which swarm among the 
plants. If the fry are numerous, the supply of food will 
soon be exhausted, and can be renewed by placing a bundle 
of hay or aquatic plants in a jar of water. In a few days 
the water will be full of tiny creatures, many visible to the 
naked eye in the proper light. They may be poured into 
the aquarium as needed. A little dried lettuce thrown into 
the tank will produce protozoa, and there are prepared 
substances which serve the same purpose. The young fishes 
will soon take small crustaceans, such as Cyclops and young 



278 PETS 

Daphnia, which can be secured in any pond, especially if 
there are no fishes there. Care must be taken, however, not 
to place these creatures in the tank until the fishes are large 
enough to eat them, as otherwise the operation will be 
reversed. The fry should be induced to take dry food as 
soon as possible, and from then on there is little difficulty. 
Certain individuals will grow much faster than others, and 
as they develop should be sorted out. If the fishes are of 
the more valuable varieties, the better ones may be deter- 
mined at an early age, and should be segregated and given 
special attention. 

Native Fishes 

A great variety of undomesticated fishes are available for 
the aquarium, and generally are far more interesting than 
the sluggish goldfish. Many are perfectly hardy, while 
others require special care and should not be attempted by 
the inexperienced. Let us first consider the inhabitants of 
our own ponds and brooks. 

The minnows, or the " minnies " of childhood, are the 
most numerous, and include many attractive aquarium fishes. 
They belong to the carp family (Cyprinid^) and abound 
in fresh waters throughout the north temperate zone, about 
two hundred and twenty-five American species being known. 
Of these the Shiner (Abramis chrysoleiicus) is one of 
the hardiest and handsomest. It is found in quiet water 
everywhere east of the Rockies. The Shiner is a brilliant 
silvery fish, the male becoming more brightly colored during 
the breeding season. It lives in schools, and several indi- 
viduals should be kept together in a fair-sized tank. It 
will eat dry fish food, small bits of scraped raw meat, earth- 
worms and insects, and may be kept safely with goldfishes. 

The Black-nosed Dace (Rhinichthys cataractcc) is a 
smaller fish than the preceding, and easily distinguished by 



PETS 279 

the heavy black line which extends from head to tail on 
each side. It is found in cold, swift streams, but rapidly 
adapts itself to life in the aquarium, of which it is a most 
desirable inhabitant. It is always active and forms an 
agreeable contrast to the goldfish, with which it may be 
associated. The ordinary prepared foods, with occasional 
insects, will suit its needs. 

There are numerous other beautiful species of dace 
found in America, many of them suitable for life in cap- 
tivity. A few, however, some of them, unfortunately, 
among the most lovely, are extremely delicate, and almost 
impossible to keep without running water. 

Chubs, Horned Dace and small specimens of the many 
species of Suckers and their allies all live well in the aqua- 
rium, but are less interesting because of their comparative 
inactivity. They will do well on the same food as that 
given the goldfish. 

There are several European species of the carp family 
which are attractive in the aquarium. The Golden Orfe 
is an albinistic derivative of the Orfe or Ide (Idus idus), 
established by careful selection by breeders. It is yellow 
above, with whitish sides, and of active habit. Small speci- 
mens make excellent tank fishes, but under favorable con- 
ditions will grow to a length of more than a foot. 

Although the Tench (Tinea tinea) is a favorite food fish 
in Europe, the smaller individuals make excellent aquarium 
pets. The typical form is metallic green, but an albinistic 
variety, known as the Golden Tench, has been produced in 
captivity and is an ideal tank fish. It is bright yellow, 
slightly spotted with darker color, and is active and hardy. 
All of the above species may be kept with goldfishes, and 
will thrive on the same food. 

Catfishes and small Eels are interesting captives, but 
must not be kept with goldfishes or other delicate forms 



280 PETS 

because of their voracity. Young Eels are especially at- 
tractive. During the spring they may often be met with in 
great numbers, ascending streams after their babyhood spent 
in the sea, where the adults go to breed. In the aquarium 
they will burrow in the sand, with only the head exposed, 
and lie thus concealed for hours. Catfishes and Eels are 
not delicate feeders, and will do well on almost any diet, 
in which animal food should predominate. 

The great group of Percoidea, or Perch-like fishes, con- 
tains many ac|uarium favorites. The various species of 
SuNFiSHES — Common, Black-banded, Long-eared, etc. — 
are well distributed and seme sort is obtainable by every 
one. Specimens of good size are best kept singly, or in pairs 
if they will agree. They quickly become very tame, and 
soon learn to look forward to feeding time. They should 
be fed chiefly on chopped worms, bits of meat and clams, 
and live insects. 

The Darters, distant relatives of the Sunfishes, are bril- 
liantly colored little fellows, of which more than fifty 
species are known. They are among the most beautiful of 
fishes, and it is to be regretted that they do not thrive bet- 
ter in captivity. The Tessellated Darters {Bolcosoma) 
are probably the best known. They inhabit swift streams, 
lying among the stones on the bottom, springing into activity 
only when prey appears. In the aquarium they should be 
kept in cool, shallow water, and fed as much as possible on 
live food, with whatever else of the usual items they can be 
induced to take. 

The Sticklebacks belong to the family Gasterosteid.<e. 
and are widely distributed throughout the Northern Hemi- 
sphere in fresh and brackish water. They are variously 
named — two-spined, three-spined, etc. — according to the 
number of dorsal projections. Specimens can be taken in 
almost any clear brook or pond, and most dealers can supply 






PETS 281 

them, especially in the spring. They are exceedingly de- 
structive when at large, being very persistent in the devour- 
ing of the eggs and fry of other fishes. Their breeding 
habits, however, are most interesting and may easily be 
observed in the aquarium. When the season for reproduc- 
tion is at hand, the male selects a proper site among the 
aquatic plants, and there Ijuilds a fairy mansion of tiny 
bits of plant material, cemented together with a glutinous 
secretion from an abdominal gland. There are two en- 
trances, and after he has induced the female to enter and 
deposit her eggs he proceeds to fertilize them, and then 
stands guard. The female should now be removed, to save 
her from the attacks of her mate, who keeps up a continual 
fanning, forcing a current of water over the eggs. After 
about two weeks his zeal will be rewarded by the appearance 
of a great crowd of little ones. He is the best of fathers 
until the young begin to move about the acjuarium, when 
he no longer recognizes them as his own and must be re- 
moved. The young feed at first on protozoans, and later 
will take small Crustacea and prepared foods. 

Adult sticklebacks are too pugnacious to be kept with 
other fishes. They are hardy, and should be fed chiefly 
on animal food, although they will take artificial prepara- 
tions. 

Tropical Fishes 

We come now to the fishes of the tropical and subtropical 
waters of Asia, Africa and America. They exist, of 
course, in almost endless variety, and comparatively few are 
known among aquarists. Their cultivation has been carried 
on for years in Europe, and more especially in Germany, 
where great proficiency in their care and propagation has 
been attained. It is only during recent times that thev have 
received attention from American fish-keepers, but their 



282 PETS 

popularity is rapidly increasing. Many aquarium societies 
have been formed for the importation of specimens and the 
dissemination of knowledge concerning their care. Every 
large city has dealers who specialize in fishes of this sort, 
and a little investigation will reveal their whereabouts. 

Many of the tropical species are of surpassing beauty, 
and there is a great range of curious breeding habits. They 
are by far the most fascinating of aquarium fishes, and 
most are really no more difficult to maintain in health than 
goldfishes. The chief requirement is a uniform tempera- 
ture, ranging from 60° to 75° Fahrenheit. Tanks are made 
with heating apparatus attached, and these may be useful 
at times. Ordinarily they are unnecessary, except for very 
delicate fishes, for once they have become well acclimatized 
most species are very hardy, if a steady warmth is main- 
tained. 

Unfortunately, most of these fishes, like many plants, 
especially the orchids, have not yet been given suitable com- 
mon names, and are known by their scientific appellations 
only. A little application, however, will overcome this diffi- 
culty, and the amateur soon speaks them as glibly as the 
most hardened expert. Perhaps the most interesting group 
is the PcECiLLiiD^, or Killifishes. About two hundred 
species are known, and are divided by aquarists into two 
groups : oviparous, or egg-laying forms, and viviparous, 
in which the eggs are retained within the body of the parent 
until they are fully formed, and the young able to care for 
themselves when emitted. 

Of the egg-laying group, the species of the genus Fundu- 
lus are very numerous, and extend from Maine to Central 
America. It is represented on the eastern coast by a num- 
ber of well-known species, some living in brackish water. 
The Common Killifish {F. majalis) and the Fresh-water 
Killifish (F. diaphanus) are very abundant, and will live 



PETS 283 

well when established in the aquarium. Funduliis chrys- 
cctus is perhaps the most beautiful of this genus, and is a 
most desirable aquarium fish when it can be procured. It 
is very abundant in ponds in our southern states, and its 
scarcity in the New York market is difficult to explain. The 
species of Fundulus will thrive on the usual preparations, 
but should have as much live food as possible. 

The genus Haplochihis contains some of the most bril- 
liantly colored fishes known to the aquarist. The males 
especially are remarkably handsome, and possess various 
embellishments of the tail and fins which add greatly to 
their beauty. H. camcrooncnsis, a comparatively recent ar- 
rival in America, is the most brilliant species so far imported, 
but many exceedingly fine forms have not yet been intro- 
duced here. H. ruhrostigma, H. chapcri, H. pancJiax, H. 
sexfasciatiis and H. latipes are the best known species, and 
all may be recommended. None is especially delicate, but 
the water should not be less than 70° Fahrenheit. The eggs 
are attached to the plants of the aquarium, which should be 
thick and bushy. After spawning the fishes should be re- 
moved. The fry when hatched are very minute, and will 
feed at first on protozoans and tiny algae. Later they may 
be given Crustacea and prepared foods. The adults do very 
well on good prepared foods and chopped earthworms, but 
should have Daphnia and Cyclops as often as possible. 

The species of Rivuliis somewhat resemble those of 
Haplochilus in general appearance, but are much quieter in 
coloration, and do not have decorative appendages. Few 
species are known, all from Central and South America. 
R. occllata, R. flahcllicanda and R. pocyi are the forms most 
familiar to aquarists. They are fascinating fishes, the soft 
colors being very harmoniously blended. Their breeding 
and feeding habits are much the same as those of Ha- 
plochilus, but they are expert climbers, and able to live for 





Xiphophorus helleri 



Alfaro cultraium 
Male above, female below 




Paradise Fish 




Climbing Perch 



PETS 285 

some time out of water, so their tank must be kept carefully 
covered. 

The viviparous group of the Pcecilliid.e includes what 
are probably the most attractive species of the family. The 
fact that active, independent young are brought forth at 
surprisingly shortlntervals, and that they are not at all diffi- 
cult to rear, ensures their lasting popularity. There are 
many species, of varying colors, but all may be known by 
the anal fin of the male, which ends in a needle-like process, 
used as an intromittent organ. In most species the male 
is much smaller than the female. 

The most commonly kept species, and probably the best 
for the beginner, is AcanfJwpthalmus {Girardinus) guppyi. 
This diminutive fish is a native of Trinidad and Venezuela, 
and has been introduced in Jamaica and various other West 
Indian islands because of its value as a destroyer of mos- 
quito larvae. The males average three-quarters of an inch 
to an inch, and the females up to tw^o inches. The latter 
are very plainly colored, but the males are extremely bril- 
liant, presenting an amazing variety of patterns in metallic 
greens, reds, blues and blacks, no two being exactly alike. 
Most live-bearers are inveterate devourers of their own 
young, but this species is not nearly so badl)^ disposed 
toward its offspring as most, and if the aquarium is well 
supplied with vegetation a great many can be reared with 
little difficulty. In case it is desired to save all of the young, 
however, it is best to isolate prospective mothers, which are 
easily distinguished. 

Most keepers of live-bearing fishes have their own 
methods for insuring the safety of the young. Various 
appliances are in use, ranging from small metal cages to 
glass funnels, all intended to confine the mother while the 
young escape through tiny apertures. It is far safer to 
restrict the mother to a small part of the aquarium by 



286 PETS 

means of a sheet of glass, a narrow space being kept for 
the passage of the babies, but most experienced aquarists 
prefer simply to stock the tank thickly with vegetation, 
and trust to this for protection for the young fishes, rather 
than risk the life of the mother in unnatural and cramped 
quarters. When emitted the young are about one-quarter 
inch in length, and able to take small Crustacea and fine arti- 
ficial foods almost from the very first. They grow rapidly, 
and under favorable conditions reach maturity in from two 
to three months. The adults may be given the dry prepa- 
rations, with an occasional meal of animal food. 

Next in popularity comes the Sword-tail Minnow 
(Xiphophorus helleri), a fish which for beauty and hardi- 
ness is most satisfactory. It is a native of Mexico, and 
well-grown specimens are from two and one-half to three 
inches in length. It is brilliantly colored, the sides being of 
iridescent blue and green, with a red lateral stripe extend- 
ing the entire length of the fish. The male is characterized 
by the development of the lower portion of the tail, which 
terminates in a sword-like projection, about one inch in 
length and bright green in color. Helleri, as they are popu- 
larly known among their admirers, are generally inveterate 
persecutors of their young, and it is necessary to isolate the 
females if it is desired to breed them. Both young 
and adults may be treated as with the preceding, but 
the present species is somewhat more carnivorous in 
habit. 

The genus Gambusia contains a number of small, pug- 
nacious fishes, known as top-minnows. G. holbrooki is an 
excellent tank fish, and very popular among aquarists. It 
ranges from southern Illinois through the southern states 
into Mexico. The males of the typical form are whitish, 
thickly blotched with black, some specimens having the 
background entirely obscured. The female is considerably 



PETS 287 

larger than the male and plain olive in color. This fish is 
very abundant at certain points, inhabiting ponds, brooks 
and even ditches. It is found associated with males which 
lack the black spots, and are known as G. affinis. It seems 
probable that the two types represent mere color phases of 
one species, as the females are not separable, but little is 
known concerning this point. Wild-caught fishes do not 
always breed true to color, the young often reverting to the 
affinis phase, but strains of aquarium-bred fishes have been 
formed the progeny of which come true to type. This 
is a very prolific but exceedingly voracious fish, necessitating 
the seclusion of the mothers if any of the young are to be 
reared. It is hardy, does not require so high a temperature 
as many others, and will thrive on the usual foods, but be- 
cause of its pugnacity cannot be associated with other 
species. 

Several forms of Platypoccilius are popular among ad- 
mirers of aquarium fishes. The best known is P. macidatus, 
a rather plainly colored olive fish, usually diversified by 
dark caudal spots and bluish sides. It rarely much exceeds 
an inch and one-half in length, but is very deep in com- 
parison. There are various other handsomely colored forms, 
varying in color between the extremes of bright red and 
velvety black. Some have been named, but as they inter- 
breed freely their specific standing is very much in doubt. 
All are quiet, harmless fishes, of vegetarian habit and easily 
kept. 

Poccilia is a very widespread genus, extending from 
Mexico to northern South America and the West Indies. 
There are many species, only a few of which have been kept 
in America. P. sphenops, P. pavonina, P. amasonica and 
P. vivipara are the best known. All are handsome, sociable 
fishes, subsisting chiefly on a vegetarian diet, and may safely 
be kept with other fishes. 



288 PETS 

Alfaro cultratiim is one of the most interesting fishes of 
the Hve-bearing group. It is known only from the Carib- 
bean slope of Central America, where it inhabits swift, 
stony-bottomed brooks. Well-grown specimens reach three 
inches in length and are olive in general color, with patches 
of brilliant blue and green on the body, and yellowish tail. 
The anal fin of the male is very far advanced, and in both 
sexes the space along the ventral line between this fin and 
the tail is occupied by a double row of scales which forms 
a curious, keel-like structure. The first specimens to reach 
this country were collected in Costa Rica by the writer, and 
have proved both hardy and prolific in captivity, taking 
kindly to the ordinary diet of aquarium fishes. 

Some of the smallest known fishes belong to the genus 
Heterandria, of which a Mexican form, H. formosa, is the 
only species known among American fish culturists. Large 
females reach an inch and sometimes slightly more, but 
the males are never more than three-quarters of an inch in 
length and mature at much smaller size. It is an attractive 
fish, olive brown in color, with dark lateral stripe and dorsal 
spot. It is very hardy in the aquarium, breeding freely and 
sustaining itself with algse and prepared food. 

Certain small members of the Cyprinida;, or carp group, 
are mentioned here, instead of with their allies, because the 
nature of their habitats necessitates their treatment being 
that of other tropical forms. 

The genus Barbus contains a number of European and 
Asiatic species which grow to a very large size, but there 
are many smaller ones which are in favor with aquarists. 
They are harmless, fairly active fishes, rather broad in pro- 
portion to their length and often strikingly marked, al- 
though they do not present the brilliant colors of some other 
groups. B. maculatus, B. ticto and B. vittatus are some of 
the more familiar species. They are easily kept at warm 



PETS 289 

temperatures, may be associated with other small, quiet 
fishes and thrive on the ordinary foods. 

The species of Rasbora are beautifully colored and other- 
wise attractive, but have a reputation for delicacy which, 
unfortunately, seems only too well founded. R. hctero- 
nwrpha, the only species familiar to aquarists in this coun- 
try, is a small, deep-bodied fish, reddish in general color, 
with a large, triangular, bluish-black spot covering the sides. 
To its brilliant color it adds active habits, and it is to be 
hoped that when its needs are better known it will prove 
longer-lived. At present we can only look to the tempera- 
ture of its tank, provide it with plentiful crustacean food, 
as well as the best of artificial mixtures, and hope for the 
best. 

Danio is a genus which includes several species that meet 
in every particular the needs of the tyro. Their bold and 
handsome markings, combined with extreme activity and 
perfect hardiness, make them ideal aquarium fishes. All 
bear on the lips two long, hair-like barbules, which are easily 
observed when the fish is in proper position. 

The feeding habits of the various species are similar. 
They will take dry food readily, seizing it from the surface 
of the water in a series of lightning darts. They are ex- 
ceedingly fond of living food, which should be provided 
as frequently as possible. 

All are rather difficult to breed, but the feat may be ac- 
complished if sufficient care is bestowed in the tank. 
When the eggs are laid, they do not adhere to the plants, 
but sink to the bottom, where, if undisturbed, they will 
hatch in a few days. The fishes, however, will persistently 
search them out and devour them, so they must be removed 
as soon as oviposition is seen to have occurred. Many 
breeders cover the bottom of the tank with rough stones, 
so that the eggs, falling into the interstices, may get beyond 



290 PETS 

reach. All tadpoles and snails should be removed, and pre- 
cautions should be taken to free the tank of low forms of 
life, such as hydras, which will devour the tiny young. If 
the fry emerge safely, they will thrive on protozoans, and 
later on small Crustacea and finely powdered dry food. 

Danio rerio, a native of Ceylon, is the commonest species. 
It is boldly marked with broad stripes of brilliant blue, 
which extend across the tail and anal fin, the ground color 
being silvery in the females and yellowish in the males, the 
distinction being more strongly noticeable during the breed- 
ing season. Large specimens will average about an inch 
and one-half in length. 

Danio malabaricus is an Indian form and the largest of 
the genus. Its sides are bright blue, with three well- 
marked, yellowish stripes. It is an exceedingly graceful 
fish, and while less active than the preceding, is nevertheless 
almost constantly in motion. 

Danio albolineatus is really one of the most marvelously 
colored of fishes. Seen by properly reflected light its beauty 
is indescribable, and just why it is not more commonly kept 
is difficult of comprehension. When in full color, the entire 
fish scintillates with flashing opalescent hues of great bril- 
liancy, the females being somewhat less strongly colored 
than the males. It is a species of lively disposition, and a 
few individuals in good condition form a spectacle not soon 
to be forgotten. 

The Labyrinth Fishes (Labyrinthini) form a group of 
several families, all the members of which are distinguished 
by the possession of air chambers, which supplement the 
action of the gills in purifying the blood. By means of this 
adaptation the fish is able, especially in the case of the 
Climbing Perches (Anabas), to live out of water for some 
time; but, on the other hand, if it be deprived of coming 
to the surface to reriew the supply of atmospheric air in the 



PETS 291 

chambers, it soon dies. Thus the labyrinth fishes are well 
suited for the aquarium, being able to take oxygen from 
the air as well as from the water. 

They are hardy fishes, but most of the species, especially 
the Fighting Fishes (Bctta), require a temperature of at 
least 68° to 70° Fahrenheit, and often are kept in heated 
tanks. Generally they are pugnacious and vindictive, and 
must be kept singly or in pairs. They are easily fed, readily 
taking prepared foods, which should be supplemented with 
occasional bits of scraped raw beef, chopped worms, boiled 
yolk of Qgg and living Crustacea. 

The breeding habits of these fishes are curious and most 
interesting. At the approach of the season of reproduction 
the male goes through an elaborate courtship, spreading his 
brilliant fins to their utmost extent, and scintillating with 
intense color. Soon the female responds, and the male com- 
mences the construction of the nest. This is composed of a 
mass of air-bubbles coated with a viscous substance secreted 
by a special gland, which causes them to adhere together. 
The bubl)les are piled up in the form of a low cone, which 
floats on the surface of the water. Oviposition soon takes 
place, and the female must be removed at once, for the male, 
assuming charge of the nest, will not tolerate her presence. 
After two or three days the tiny young hatch and are 
carefully guarded by the father, which gathers up in his 
mouth any which fall from the nest and carefully returns 
them. Soon after hatching the young begin to leave the 
nest and move about in search of food. When this stage is 
reached he, too, must be removed, for parental afifection 
vanishes, and he regards his offspring merely as an admir- 
able addition to his menu. The fry feed, as do the young of 
most other fishes, on protozoans, and later on small Crus- 
tacea and powdered dry food. Care must be taken not to 
feed Crustacea until the young are large enough to eat them, 



292 PETS 

otherwise they themselves are Hkely to be destroyed. Young 
labyrinth fishes are exceedingly sensitive to change of tem- 
perature, which must be kept at an even point. 

The Paradise Fish (Macropodus viridi-auratus) is the 
most familiar species. This fish has been kept and bred in 
the East for so many years that it is really domesticated, and 
great numbers are bred yearly in Europe and America. It 
is an extremely brilliant species, particularly during the 
breeding season, when the colors of the male are seen at 
their best. The upper parts are mottled in tones of brown, 
but the sides bear alternate stripes of rich greenish-blue 
and reddish-orange, the fins being bordered with deep blue. 
The intensity of color varies constantly with the tempera- 
ture of the water and the mood of the fish. The dorsal and 
anal fins, and the points of the tail, in the male are produced 
to long wavy flagellse, which greatly add to the grace and 
beauty of the specimen. At the breeding season the male 
may be distinguished by his heightened color and lengthened 
appendages, while at this time the female is usually almost 
flesh-colored, if in good condition. 

Much nonsense has been written and spoken concerning 
the supposed delicacy of the Paradise Fish. It is said to 
die at once if water falls into the tank, if it is carelessly 
removed, or if there is a slight drop in temperature. As a 
matter of fact it is a hardy creature, remarkably tenacious 
of life, and not in the least afi^ected by the conditions just 
noted. When a fish can fall down a flight of stairs, lie un- 
discovered on the floor for some time, and on the following 
day be none the worse for the experience, as recently hap- 
pened to a specimen now in the collection of the writer, it 
is not to be classed as delicate. 

Several species of Gouramis are attractive additions to 
the collection. All have the ventral fins far advanced and 
transformed into long antennae-like threads, often of very 



PETS 293 

considerable length. The largest of the commonly kept 
species is the Striped Gourami (Trichogaster fasciatiis), 
which reaches a length of four to five inches. It is rather 
sluggish and inactive, but the alternate perpendicular bands 
of red and blue which adorn its sides are w^onder fully bril- 
liant, especially when the fish is excited. 

The Dw^ARF Gourami {T. lalitts), true to its name, sel- 
dom exceeds one and one-half inches. It is much more 
active in habit than its larger relative and almost as brightly 
colored, having a blue ground with orange-red perpendicular 
bars, and red spots on fins and tails. The female is easily 
distinguished by her paler color and the absence of the blue 
spot on the gill covers. It is of quiet disposition and may 
safely be associated with other fishes. 

The Spotted Gourami (OspJironicits triclioptcnts), al- 
though rather extensively kept, is not especially attractive. 
Except during the breeding season, it is olive in general 
color, with two darker spots on each side. When excited 
it assumes more intense coloration, but is not to be com- 
pared with its congeners. 

The habits of the Fighting Fishes (Bcfta) are almost 
too well known to every one to need description here. The 
bellicose disposition of the fiery little male has been made 
the basis of a national sport in various eastern countries, 
especially in Siam. The fishes are bred with the greatest 
care and select strains, noted for their ability in battle, have 
been developed. The amateur will not have to be told that 
fishes of this group must be isolated. 

All of the Fighting Fishes are brilliantly colored, the 
general type of marking being as in the preceding. The 
best known are the Common {Bctta pugnax), the Red {B. 
rubra) and the Splendid {B. splcndcns). 

The Climbing Perches (Anabas) represent the highest 
development of the air-breathing apparatus of the labyrinth 



294 PETS 

fishes. It is able to travel long distances overland, pro- 
pelling itself by means of sharp spines on the gills and fins, 
or, in case of drought, to bury itself in the moist bottoms of 
dried-up pools and await the coming of rain. Some skepti- 
cism is shown as to its ability to ascend trees, but it has been 
recorded by good authorities that the fish can climb inclining 
trunks for a distance of several feet. This seems to require 
confirmation. 

The best known species (A. scandans) is far from lovely, 
being of unattractive form and dull olive in color, but its 
curious habits recommend it to the aquarist. It is hardy and 
long-lived in captivity, and feeds well on the usual foods. 
Its tank must be kept carefully covered, to prevent it from 
jumping out. 

The Cichlid fishes (Cichlid^) are bass-like in general 
appearance, but are separated from this group by several 
important anatomical characters. There is a vast array of 
species, extending throughout tropical America, Africa and 
western Asia, From Mexico southward almost every 
stream has its own kind and sometimes several. In Costa 
Rica the writer has taken three distinct and gorgeous forms 
from a tiny brook not more than a foot in width. In 
British Guiana a narrow irrigation ditch swarmed with a 
very handsome species which could be scooped out in the 
hands. Many of these fishes are exceedingly brilliant in 
color. 

These are hardy aquarium fishes, being mainly carniv- 
orous, and thriving on scraped beef, chopped clams and 
worms, Crustacea and prepared foods. They are quarrel- 
some in the extreme, and often even a pair cannot be kept 
together. If a pair can be induced to live amicably, they are 
not difficult to breed, when they form a most interesting 
family group. The eggs are deposited in a hollow in the 
sand, and fanned by the fins of the male until they hatch. 



\ 



PETS 295 

The young are cared for with great soHcitude, being herded 
and watched by both parents. Some individuals may be 
left until the young are well reared, but it is safer to remove 
them as soon as the fry reach the age of three or four 
weeks. The young fishes will require finer food than that 
furnished the adults, otherwise their diet should be the 
same. 

Her OS fasciatns is the most familiar form, as well as one 
of the dullest, being of a pale olive color with dark perpen- 
dicular bands. Cichlasoma nigrofasciatum is bluish-black, 
with dark bars, and flecked with tiny points of bright blue. 
Many other forms of Hcros, CicJiIasoiiia, Acara and Gcoph- 
agus have been imported at times, but these do not repre- 
sent a tithe of those which exist. 

A rather aberrant form of this group is a curious fish 
known as Pterophyllimi scalari. The body is short and 
round, but the anal and dorsal fins are tremendously ex- 
tended, and the ventrals are represented by two long, an- 
tennae-like appendages which give the fish a most bizarre 
appearance. In color it is silvery with heavy black per- 
pendicular bars. It is said to be found only at Manaos, on 
the Amazon, but much remains to be learned concerning 
its distribution. A pair which the writer saw in a private 
collection in Belgium, in 191 2, were the first to reach Eu- 
rope, and represented an outlay of 600 francs. A few of 
these fishes have been brought to America at one-fifth of 
this price or less. Because of their value, they generally are 
kept in heated tanks, and favored with live food. 

Of the Old World Cichlids, the Mouth-breeders {Para- 
tilapia) are of great interest. P. multicolor, the usual 
species, is from one and one-half to two inches in length 
and rather plainly colored, although it brightens during the 
breeding season. Its breeding habits, however, are most 
extraordinary. After the eggs have been deposited and 



296 PETS 

fertilized, they are taken in the mouth of the female, and 
there retained until they hatch. The male should be re- 
moved, and the female not disturbed for this time, during 
which she generally does not feed. After hatching the fry 
are cared for by the mother until they begin to move about 
freely, when she should be removed. Mouth-breeders should 
be fed as the other Cichlids are, but of course the food must 
be finer. 



INDEX 



Abramis chrysoleucus, 278 
Acanthis cannabina, 161 
Acanthopthalmus guppyi, 285 
Acridotheres tristis, 182 
Agapornis cana, 147 

nigrigenis, 147 

pullaria, 147 

taranta, 146 
Aidemosyne cantans, 178 

malabarica, 178 
Aix galericulata, 116 

sponsa, 116 
Alfaro cultratum, 288 
Amadina erythrocephala, 176 

fasciata, 176 
Amateur Menagerie Club, 48 
Amauresthes fringilloides, 176 
Anabas, 290, 293, 294 
Anacharis, 266 
Anas platyrhynchos, 113 

rubripes, 115 

superciliaris, 116 
Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus, 134 
Anser albifrons, 122 

anser, 120 

brachyrhynchus, 122 

fabilis, 122 
Aprosmictus cyanopygius, 146 
Aquarium, arrangement, 264 

balance, 262-3 

plants, 266-8 

shape, 263 

snails, 268-9 

stocking, 268, 269, 270 
Ara ararauna, 134 

chloroptera, 134 

macao, 134 

militaris, 134 

Baldness, 81 

Belgian Hare, as food, 2)7 

description, 41-3 

hutch, 38 
Bengalee, 178 



Betta, 291 

pugnax, 293 

rubra, 293 

splendens, 293 
Birds aviaries for, 68-71 

cages for, 71-2 

diseases of, 77-83 

food for, IZ 

selecting, 83-5 
Brambling, 164 

Branta canadensis canadensis, 
119, 120 

hutchinsi, 120 

minima, 120 
Brotogerys jugularis, 142 
Bulbul, Green, 152 

Red-eared, 152 

White-eared, 152 
Bulldog, English, 28 

French, 29 
Bullfinch, 83, 84, 162 

Cabomba, 266 
Cacatua alba, 132 

galerita, 131 

leadbeateri, 132 

moluccensis, 132 

roseicapilla, 132 
Cairina moschata, 123-4 
Calliste, 167 
Callithrix jacchus, 52 
Callophasis ellioti, 100 
Canaries, ancestry, 186-7 

breeding, 191-6 

cages, 188-9 

care, 189, 190 

color feeding, 203 

colors of. 200-3 

food for, 189. 190 

hybridizing, 207-10 

traflSc in. 187-8 

breeds of : 

Belgian, 199 
Border Fancy, 205 



297 



298 



INDEX 



Common, 196 
Crested, 204 
Frilled, 199, 200 
Lancashire Coppy, 204-5 
Lizard, 206-7 
London Fancy, 207 
Norwich. 203-4 
Roller, 196-8 
Scotch Fancy, 206 
Yorkshire, 205 
Canis dingo, 20 
Carassius auratus, 272 
Cardinal, Red-crested, 166 

Red-headed, 167 
Carduelis elegans, 161 
Casarca casarca, 118 

variegata, 118 
Cats, ancestry, 30 
breeding, 32 
care, 31 
colors, 35-6 
food, 32 

wild, Egyptian, 30 
European, 30 
breeds of : 
Manx, 36 
Persian, 34 
Short-haired, 34 
Siamese, 36 
Cebus hypoleucus, 52 
Cereopsis novae-hollandiae, 122 
Chaffinch, 164 

Chen hyperborea hyperborea, 120 
nivalis, 120 
rossii, 120 
Chenopsis atrata, 127 
Chipmunk, 60 

Chloephaga magellanica, 122 
Chloris chloris, 164 
Chloropsis aurifrons, 153 
Chrysolophus amherstiae, 96 

pictus, 96 
Cichlasoma nigrofasciatum, 295 
Cichlids, 294-5 
Cittocincla tricolor, 157 
Clarino, 156 
Cockateel, 133 
Cockatoos, cage for, 131 
food for, 131 
species of : 

Great White, 132 
Leadbeater, 132 
Red-crested, 132 



Roseate, 132 
Sulphur-crested, 131 
Coloeus monedula, 185 
Combasou, 169 
Conure, Aztec, 141 

Black-headed, 142 

Brown-throated, 141 

Cactus, 141 

Golden-crowned, 142 
Conurus aeruginosas, 141 

aureus, 142 

azteca, 141 

cactorum, 141 

nanday, 142 
Cordon Bleu, 175 
Corvus brachyrhynchus, 184 
Crossoptilon manchuricum, 101 
Crow, American, 184 
Cyclops, 277, 283 
Cygnopsis cygnoides, 123 

Dace, Black-nosed, 278 

Horned, 279 
Danio albolineatus, 290 
malabaricus, 290 
rerio, 290 
Daphnia, 278. 283 
Darter, Tessellated, 280 
Dendrocygna, 117 
Diardigallus diardi, 101 
Diatropura progne, 169 
Didelphis virginiana, 52 
Dingo, 20 

Dogs, ancestry of, 19-20 
breeding, 24 
care, 22-3 
diseases, 24-5 
food, 23 
parasites, 25 
•breeds of : 

Bulldog, English, 28 

French, 29 
Pekinese, 29 
Pomeranian, 29 
Spaniel, English Toy, 29 

Japanese, 29 
Terrier, Airedale, 27; Bos- 
ton, 28 ; Bull, 28 ; Fox, 
27; Irish, 27; Mal- 
tese, 28 ; Scotch, 27 ; 
Skye, 27; Welsh, 27; 
West Highland White, 
27; Yorkshire, 27 



INDEX 



299 



Ducks, breeding, 112-3 
care. 108-11 
food, 111, 113 
nests, 110 
pinioning, 111, 113 

pond for, 109, 110 
species of : 

Baldpate. 115 
Black, 115 
Canvas-back, 117 
Gadwall, 115 
Mallard, 113 
Mandarin, 110, 116 
Muscovy, 123-4 
Pintail, Common, 115 

Chilian, 115 
Redhead, 117 
Rosy-bill, 117 
Scaup, 117; Lesser, 117 
Shoveller, 115 
Teal, Black-capped, 115; 
Brazilian, 115; Chili- 
an, 116; Cinnamon, 
115; Greenwing, 115; 
Ringed, 116; Versi- 
color, 116 
Tree, 108, 116 
Tufted, 117 
White-eye, 117 
Widgeon, Chilian, 115 
Wood, 67, 110, 116 

Eel, 279, 280 
Egg-binding, 82 
Embezica Citrinella, 164 
Eulebes intermedia, 183 

javanensis, 183 

religiosa, 183 
Euphonia, 167 

Feather-plucking, 80-1 
Felis ocreata, 30 

cylvestris, 30 
Fever, bird, 80 

septic. 80 
Fighting Fish, 291 

Common, 293 

Splendid. 293 

Red. 293 
Finch. Cut-throat. 176 

Diamond. 176 

Red-headed. 176 

Strawberry. 172-3 

Zebra, 177 



Finches. 7X 160-167 
Fishes, Tropical, care. 281-2 

food, 283, 286. 287. 288, 289, 
291, 294, 296 

breeding, 283, 285-86. 289-90, 
291-2. 294-6 

species of. 282-96 
Foudia madagascariensis, 171 
Frinigilla coelcbs, 164 

montifringilla, 164 
Fundulus chrysoetus. 283 

diaphanus, 282 

majalis, 282 

Gambusia affinis. 287 

holbrooki. 286 
Garrulax albogularis. 154 

leucocephalus. 154 
Garrulus glandarius. 185 
Geese, breeding. 119, 120, 122, 123 
care, 118-19 
food. 119 
species of : 
Bean, 122 
Brant, 120 
Cackling, 120 
Canada. 119 
Cereopsis. 122 
Chinese. 123 
Egyptian, 123 
Gray-lag. 120 
Hutchins. 120 
Pink-footed, 122 
Ross, 120 
Snovv^, 120 
Upland, 122 
Gennaeus albocristatus. 100 
horsfieldi. 100 
leucomelanus, 98 
lineatus, 98 
melanotus. 98 
nycthemerus. 98 
svi^inhoei. 100 
Goldfinch. European. 83, 161 
Goldfish, breeding, 277-8 
diseases. 270. 271 
food. 276-7 
breeds of : 

Celestial. 275 
Comet. 272. 274 
Fan-tail. 274 
Lion-head. 275-6 
Oranda, 275-6 



300 



INDEX 



Shubunkin, 272 
Telescope, 275 
Veil-tail, 274 
Gourami, Dwarf, 293 
Spotted, 293 
Striped, 293 
Grassfinch, Common, 179 
Long-tailed, 179 
Masked, 179 _ 
Grassquit, Melodious, 166 

Yellow-faced, 166 
Greenfinch, 164 
Gymnorhina hypoleuca, 158 
tibicen, 159 

Haplochilus cameroonensis, 283 

chaperi, 283 

latipes, 283 

panchax, 283 

rubrostiigma, 283 

sexfasciatus, 283 
Hare, Belgian, 11, 38, 41 

Varying, 61 
Heros fasciatus, 295 
Heterandria formosa, 288 
Hill-tit, Red-billed, 83, 154 
Hydrophobia, 24 
Hypochaera chalybeata, 169 

Icterus icterus, 181 

jamacaii, 181 
Idus, idus, 279 

Jay, European, 185 
Jay-thrush, Melodious, 154 
White-headed, 154 
White-throated, 154 

Kennel, dog, 22 
Killifish, Common, 282 

Fresh-water, 282 
Kitten, 32 

Lagonosticta, coerulescens, 173 

minima, 173 
Lark, Sky-, 151, 159 

Wood-, 151, 160 
Lepus americanus, 61 

cuniculus, 41 

sylvaticus, 61 

texianus, 61 
Linnet, 83, 161 
Liothrix luteus, 154 
Lophophorus impeyanus, 102 



Lorikeet, cage for, 129 

food, 129 

species of : 

Blue Mountain, 130 
Red-collared, 130 
Scaly-breasted, 130 
Swainson, 130 
Lorius domicella, 130 

garrulus, 130 

flavopalliatus, 130 
Lory, cage for, 129 

food, 129 

species of : 

Chattering, 129 
Purple-capped, 129 
Yellow-lDacked, 129 
Lovebird, breeding, 147 

cage for, 146 

care, 146 

species of : 

Abyssinian, 146 
Black-cheeked, 147 
Gray-headed, 147 
Red-faced, 147 
Ludwigia, 267 

Macaws, food, 133 
stands, 133 
species of : 

Blue-and-yellow, 134 
Green-winged, 134 
Hyacinthine, 134 
Military, 134 
Military, 134 
Red-and-blue, 134 
Macropodus viridi-auratus, 292 
Magpie, American, 185 

European, 185 
Mannikin, Black-headed, 178 
Bronze, 176 
Magpie, 176 
Three-colored, 178 
White-headed, 178 
Marmoset, 52 
Marmota monax, 58 
Mealworms, 76 
Mephitis mephitis putida, 57 
Metopiana peposaca, 117 
Monkey, care, 49 
food. 50 
species of : 

Capuchin, 52 
Rhesus, 50 
Spider, 49 



INDEX 



301 



Mouth-breeders, 295 

Mule, Bullfinch-Canary, 209 

Goldfinch-Canary, 209 

Linet-Canary, 209 
Munia atricapilla, 178 

maja, 178 

malacca, 178 

orizivora, 177 

punctulata, 178 
Myadestes unicolor, 156 
Myna, Common, 182 

Hill, Greater, 183 

Javan, \83 

Lesser, 183 

Nettion brasiliense, 115 

carolinense, 115 

flaviorostre, 116 
Nightingale, 157 
Nun. See Mannikin 

Olor bewicki, 126 

buccinator, 126 

columbianus, 126 

cygnus, 126 

melanocorphus, 126 

olor, 124 
Opossum, 52-3 
Orfe, Golden, 279 
Osphromeus trichopterus, 293 
Otocompsa jocosa, 152 

leucotis, 152 

Palaeornis alexandri, 145 
cyanocephala, 145 
fasciata, 145 
nepalensis, 145 
torquata, 143 
Paradise Fish, 291 
Paratilapia multicolor, 295 
Paroaria cucullata, 166 

larvata, 167 
Parrakeets, breeding, 141, 143, 148, 
150 
cage for, 141, 148 
care, 141, 143, 148, 150 
species of : 

Banded. 145 
Blossom-headed, 145 
Budgerigar, 149 
Brass. 149 
Gray-breasted, 143 
Indian Ring, 145 
Javan, 145 



King, 146 
Pennant, 149 
Rosella, 148; Mealy, 149 
Shell, 149 
Tovi, 142 
See also Conure 
Parrotlet, Blue-winged, 142 
Parrots, breeding, 138 
cage for, 136 
care, 136-7 
food, 136 
teaching, 137-8 
species of : 

Amazon, Blue-fronted. 
140; Cuban, 140; Gold- 
en-naped, 139; Green- 
cheeked, 140; White- 
fronted, 140; Yellow- 
fronted, 139; Yellow- 
headed, 139 
Gray, 138 
Pavo cristatus, 104 

muticus, 107 
Peafowl, breeding, 105-6 
care, 104-5 
food, 105 
forms of : 

Black-winged, 107 
Indian, 104 
Javan, 107 
Pied, 106 
White, 106 
Pekinese. 29 

Perch, Climbing, 290, 293-4 
Phasianus colchicus, 94 
formosanus, 95 
mongolicus, 95 
soemmeringii, 95 
torquatus, 95 
versicolor, 95 
Pheasants, aviaries for, 87, 89 
breeding, 89-94 
chicks, 91-4 
food, 89, 90, 92, 93 
incubation, 91 
laying, 91 
mating, 90 
species of : 
Eared, 101 
Elliot, 100 
Fireback, 101 
Golden, 90, 96, 97 
Impeyan, 102-3 



302 



INDFX 



Japanese, 95 

Kalij, Black-backed, 98; 
Black-crested, 98 ; Hors- 
field, 100; White-crest- 
ed, 100 
Lady Amherst, 90 
Lineated, 98 
Mongolian, 95 
Peacock. 100-1 
Reeves, 96 
Ring-neck, Chinese, 95 

English, 94 
Silver, 98 
Soemmerinig, 95 
Swinhoe, 100 
Pica pica hudsonica, 185 

pica, 185 
Pigeons, Domestic, ancestry, 211- 
212 
breeding, 217-23 
care, 212-13 
colors of, 223-228 
food, 215-16 

loft, 213-15 
breeds of : 

American Highflier, 252 
Antwerp, 232, 233 
Archangel, 256 
Barb, 235 

Birmingham Roller, 244-6 
Blondinette, 238 
Carneau, 257 
Carrier, 234-5 
Cumulet, 252 
Dragoon, 233-4 
Fan-tail. 238-9 
Frillback, 256 
Helmet. 254 
Hen, 257 

Homer, Exhibition, 232 ; 
Flying, 229-32; Show, 
232 
Hyacinth, 255 
Ice, 255 

Jacobin, 240, 242 
Magpie, 253-4 
Norwich Cropper, 242-3 
Nun, 253 
Owl, 235-6 
Pouter, English, 242 
Pygmy, 242 
Runt, 257 
Satinette, 237 



Scandaroon, 256 
Shield, 255 
Swallow, 255 
Tippler, 250-2 
Trumpeter, 256 
Tumbler, Exhibition, 247- 
50; Parlor, 246-7; Per- 
forming, 243-7 ; West 
of England, 246 
Turbit, English, 236-7 

Oriental, 238 
Turbiteen, 238 
Piping Crow, Black-backed, 158; 

White-backed, 158 
Pithecus rhesus, 50 
Platypoecilius maculatus, 287 
Poecilia amazonica, 287 
pavonina, 287 
sphenops, 287 
vivipara, 287 
Poephila acuticauda, 179 
cincta, 179 
gouldiae, 180 
mirabilis, 180 
personata, 179 
Poliospiza leucopygia, 165 
Pomeranian, 29 
Procyon lotor, 55 
Psittacosis, 80 
PsittacLila passerina, 143 
Psittacus erythacus, 138 
Psitteuteles chlorolepidotus, 130 
Pterophyllum scalare, 295 
Puppy, 24 

Pyromelana afra, 170 
flammiceps, 170 
franciscana, 170 
taha, 171 
Pyrrhula pyrrhula, 162 

Quelea quelea, 171 

russi, 171 
Querquedula cyanoptera, 115 

discors, 115 

versicolor, 116 

Rabbit, Domestic, ancestry, 41 
breeding, 40 
care. 38 
food, 39 
hutches, 38-9 
breeds of : 

Angora, 39, 47 



INDEX 



303 



Belgian Hare, 27, 38, 41 

Black-and-tan, 44 

Dutch. 38, 45 

English, 46-7 

Flemish Giant, 38, 43 

Himalayan, 46 

Lop-ear, 45 

Polish, 44 

Silver Brown, 44; Fawn, 
44; Gray, 44 
Rabbits. Wild, cage, 60-1 
food, 61 
species of : 

Cottontail, 61 

Jack, 61 

Snowshoe, 61 
Rabies, 24 
Racoon, 54-5 

Rasbora heteromorpha, 289 
Rhinichthys cataractae, 278 
Rivulus flabellicauda, 283 
occllata. 283 
poeyi, 283 
Robin, Japanese. See Hill-tit 
Roup, 79 

Sagittaria natans, 266 

Scaly Iqg, 82 

Sciurus carolinensis, 59 

hudsonicus, 59 

subrinus, 59 
Serinus canarius, 186 

icterus, 165 

serinus, 186 
Sheldrake. Common, 118 

Paradise, 118 

Ruddy, 118 
Shiner, 278 
Silver-bill, African, 178 

Indian, 178 
Singing Finch, Gray. 165 

Green. 165 
Siskin, European, 162-4 
Skunk. 55-7 
Snails. 268-9 
Solitaire, Blue, 156 
Spaniel, Japanese, 29 

Toy, 29 



Spatula clypeata, 115 
Spermestes cucullata, 176 
Spinus spinas, 162 
Sporaeginthus amandava, 173 
melpodus, 175 
subflavus, 175 
Squirrels, cage, 58 
food, 59 
species of : 
Flying, 59 
Gray, 59 
Red, 59 
Starling, European. 182 

Glossy. 182 
Steganopleura guttata. 177 

Steganura paradisea, 168 
Stickleback, 280-1 
Sturnus vulgaris, 182 
Sunfish, 280 
Swans, breeding, 125-7 
care. 124 
food. 124 
species of : 

Bewick. 126 
Black, 127 
Black-necked, 126 
Mute, 124 
Polish, 125 
Trumpeter, 126 
Whistling, 126 
Whoopinjg, 126 
Sycalis flaveola, 165 
Syrmaticus reevesi, 96 

Tadorna tadorna, 118 
Taeniopygia castanotis, 177 
Tamias striatus, 60 
Tanager, Blue. 167 

Palm. 167 

Silver-beak. 167 
Tench. Golden, 279 
Terrier. See Dogs. 
Thrush, Shama. 83, 157 

Song. 83. 156 
Tiaris canora. 166 

olivacea olivacea. 166 

olivacea pusilla, 166 
Tinea tinea, 279 



Ji 



'Cri950 •] 



UBRARV OF CONGRESS 




rill;; 



\''' ■'.■■)}[(•>■ 

,■,■.''■■■'';«■ 

if 

i :'■!;:' i 11111! 






